Catherine Stanton | Microbiome | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Catherine Stanton | Microbiome | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Catherine Stanton, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ireland

Prof. Catherine Stanton is a globally recognized expert in nutrition, microbiology, and food science, currently serving as a Senior Principal Research Officer at Teagasc Moorepark, Ireland, and Research Professor at University College Cork. With an H-index of 135 (Google Scholar), her groundbreaking work in probiotics, gut microbiota, and dairy science has made substantial contributions to human and animal health. She is a Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, shaping key insights into microbial-host interactions. Prof. Stanton’s interdisciplinary expertise spans biochemistry, food bioscience, and microbiome research, making her a leader in functional foods innovation. Over her career, she has authored hundreds of publications, filed multiple patents, and earned global recognition as a highly cited researcher. She is renowned for translating science into applications in nutrition and health, benefiting industries and public health policies alike.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Prof. Stanton holds a distinguished academic background rooted in nutrition and biochemistry. She earned her B.Sc. in Nutrition & Food Chemistry from University College Cork (UCC) in 1983, achieving second-class honours (2.1). She followed this with an M.Sc. in Nutrition at UCC in 1986, gaining a deeper understanding of food-based health science. In 1988, she completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Bournemouth University, UK, focusing on molecular and functional biochemistry. Her pursuit of academic excellence culminated in receiving a D.Sc. from the National University of Ireland in 2009, a testament to her lifetime achievements in research. These academic milestones laid the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach, bridging nutrition, microbiology, and food technology to tackle pressing health challenges. Her educational journey reflects both depth and breadth, enabling her to excel in academic research, innovation, and international collaboration.

Experience:

Prof. Stanton has over three decades of impactful research and leadership in microbiology and nutrition. Since 2018, she has served as Senior Principal Research Officer at Teagasc Moorepark, Ireland’s leading agri-food research institute. She is also a Research Professor at University College Cork (UCC) and a Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland since 2003, where she spearheads cutting-edge research into gut microbiota, probiotics, and host health. Her academic career is complemented by her industrial collaborations, public policy contributions, and work with global health organizations. Prof. Stanton’s innovative patents and translational science have impacted sectors ranging from dairy to pharmaceuticals. She has mentored countless students and professionals while representing Ireland on international expert panels such as the FAO/WHO Probiotics Consultation. Her tenure showcases a rare blend of scientific excellence, leadership, and collaborative prowess.

Awards and Honours:

Prof. Stanton has received numerous prestigious accolades for her scientific contributions. She was named a Highly Cited Researcher by Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) from 2017 to 2024, placing her among the top 1% globally in Agricultural Science and Microbiology. In 2020, she was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), recognizing her lifetime achievements. In 2019, she was declared Scientist of the Year at the Irish Laboratory Awards, acknowledging her leadership in microbiome and functional foods research. She also served as Rapporteur for the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Probiotics in Food (2001), contributing to global food health policies. Her awards reflect not only the depth of her research but also its real-world impact in agriculture, nutrition, and global health policy, making her a standout in interdisciplinary scientific leadership.

Research Focus:

Prof. Stanton’s research centers on functional foods, probiotics, and the gut microbiome, focusing on their roles in human and animal health. Her work investigates the mechanisms of beneficial microbes, particularly how they influence immune function, intestinal integrity, and disease prevention. She has pioneered research on conjugated linoleic acids, probiotic cheese development, and bacteriocin-producing strains that combat pathogens. At APC Microbiome Ireland, she leads projects exploring maternal and infant gut health, developing microbiota-based strategies for conditions ranging from diarrhea to cancer. Her research is highly translational, often leading to patents and industry applications in food biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. She collaborates across disciplines—biochemistry, microbiology, and nutrition—to develop evidence-based dietary interventions. With a strong publication record and global influence, her research has set benchmarks in microbiome science, making her a leader in shaping next-generation health strategies.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Leuconostoc lactis strain APC 3969 produces a new variant of cyclic bacteriocin leucocyclicin Q and displays potent anti-Clostridium perfringens activity

  2. Bacteroides maternus sp. nov., a novel species isolated from human faeces

  3. Gut and oral microbial profile associations to oral cancer

  4. Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis modulates intestinal immunity in growing mice in a strain-specific manner

  5. Exploring tarhana’s prebiotic potential using different flours in an in vitro fermentation model

  6. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 improves intestinal barrier function and regulates gut microbiota to alleviate enterotoxigenic E. coli-induced diarrhea in mice

  7. Rebuttal to Gut Microbiome in Children with Congenital Heart Disease After Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery (GuMiBear Study)

  8. Correction to: Examining the healthy human microbiome concept

  9. Examining the healthy human microbiome concept

  10. Streptococcus wuxiensis, S. jiangnanensis, and S. fermentans: three novel species isolated from human breast mil

Conclusion:

Prof. Catherine Stanton is eminently suitable for the Best Researcher Award, based on her scientific excellence, real-world impact, and global recognition. Her body of work demonstrates visionary leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a legacy of innovation in probiotics and microbiome science. With unmatched citation metrics, patent contributions, and public service roles, she stands as a role model for both established and upcoming researchers.

Alexander Chernov | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Alexander Chernov | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Alexander Chernov , Institute of Experimental Medicine , Russia

Alexandr Nikolaevich Chernov is a senior researcher at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia, and an assistant at the Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University. He has a strong background in biochemistry and pathological physiology, with expertise in the molecular and cellular mechanisms affecting cancer treatment and brain tumors. With over 139 scientific publications, including numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, he has significantly contributed to the field of cancer research. His work explores the effects of growth factors, innate immunity peptides, and chemotherapy on brain tumor cells. Chernov has also received multiple awards, including the Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Belarus. He continues to advance his research through collaborations and projects in Russia, Belarus, and Israel. His dedication to science is evident in his extensive research portfolio, editorial work, and mentorship roles, especially in cancer research.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Experience: Alexandr Chernov has an impressive background in biomedical research, with 139 scientific publications, including 86 in peer-reviewed journals. His research spans a wide range of topics including molecular mechanisms in brain tumors, innate immunity peptides, and chemotherapy drugs, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
  2. Innovation and Impact: Chernov has authored 8 patents and contributed to groundbreaking studies, such as those related to the anticancer effects of peptides and growth factors in glioma and other tumors. His recent studies on Streptococcus pyogenes’ oncolytic activity against various cancers reflect a significant contribution to cancer therapy.
  3. Grant Leadership: He has successfully led multiple significant research grants, including those funded by the Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental Research. These grants focus on key areas like oncogenesis and cancer treatment, reinforcing his leadership in cutting-edge research.
  4. High Citation Index: With 474 citations in Google Scholar and a citation index of 10, Chernov’s work is well-respected and widely referenced by his peers, indicating that his research is impactful and influential in the scientific community.
  5. Global Collaboration: His research collaborations extend internationally, such as his recent internship at Ben-Gurion University in Israel. This global network is essential for advancing scientific research and fostering innovation.
  6. Contributions to Academia and Education: As a senior researcher and educator at the Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Chernov is also involved in mentoring the next generation of researchers, ensuring the continued growth of his field.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Outreach and Public Engagement: While Chernov’s work is highly technical and impactful in the scientific community, expanding efforts to communicate these results to the broader public or through interdisciplinary collaborations could enhance the reach and societal impact of his research.
  2. Diversifying Research Publications: Although Chernov has numerous publications in high-impact journals, a greater variety of research topics, including interdisciplinary studies, might expand his work’s applicability in other scientific and clinical fields.
  3. Industry Collaboration: While Chernov has a solid academic foundation, increased collaboration with industry stakeholders could lead to practical, real-world applications of his discoveries in medical devices or treatments.

Education:

Chernov’s educational journey began at Belarusian State University, where he earned a degree from the Biological Faculty in 2005, specializing in Biochemistry. He then advanced his studies with a postgraduate program in Human Physiology at the Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, completing it in 2012. His professional career continued with roles at leading research institutes, including his current positions in Russia. In 2021, Chernov defended his PhD thesis at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, focusing on the effects of nerve growth factors and peptides on brain tumor cells. Chernov further broadened his expertise through a research internship at Ben-Gurion University, Israel, between 2021-2022. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding cancer biology, particularly in the context of brain tumor therapies and innovative treatment combinations.

Experience:

Chernov has extensive research experience spanning nearly two decades. He started his professional career as a Junior Researcher at the Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus from 2005 to 2016. His research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of growth factors in oncology. In 2017-2018, he further honed his expertise at the Almazov National Medical Research Center in Saint Petersburg, contributing to translational medical research. From 2018 to 2020, he worked at City Hospital 40, Saint Petersburg, gaining clinical insights into treatment modalities. Since 2020, he has been a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, continuing groundbreaking work in cancer therapy and biological chemistry. Chernov has collaborated internationally, including a research internship in Israel. His leadership roles extend to heading several research grants and projects in Belarus, Russia, and global scientific networks, further enriching his interdisciplinary experience.

Awards and Honors:

Chernov’s outstanding scientific contributions have earned him numerous accolades. Among his most significant honors is the Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Belarus (2012), awarded for his exceptional work as a postgraduate student. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his leadership in research projects, including as the head of several grants funded by the Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental Research. His innovations in cancer research and contributions to the understanding of brain tumors and growth factors have also been acknowledged internationally. Chernov has received recognition from peers and scientific organizations, cementing his role as a distinguished researcher in his field. In addition to these prestigious awards, his teaching role at Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University since 2024 highlights his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship in the scientific community.

Research Focus:

Chernov’s primary research focus lies in the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the interaction of growth factors (e.g., nerve growth factor) and innate immunity peptides (such as LL-37 and PG-1) with chemotherapy drugs in treating central nervous system tumors. His groundbreaking research addresses the oncolytic potential of these peptides and their combinations with chemotherapy drugs to enhance cancer cell death and improve patient outcomes in brain tumors. He is particularly interested in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, including mitochondrial metabolism, proliferation, and migration in glioma cells, with the aim of developing new treatment strategies for gliomas and other malignancies. His work also explores the effects of bacterial strains and antimicrobial peptides on tumor cells, investigating innovative approaches to cancer therapy. Chernov has demonstrated significant expertise in the areas of tumor biology, oncolytic therapy, and drug resistance, contributing to advancements in predictive oncology and personalized medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. The Benefits of Whole-Exome Sequencing in the Differential Diagnosis of Hypophosphatasia 🧬
  2. Glioblastoma Multiforme: Sensitivity to Antimicrobial Peptides LL-37 and PG-1 🧠
  3. Secretory Phospholipase A2 and Interleukin-6 Levels as Predictive Markers of the Severity of COVID-19 🦠
  4. Pharmacogenetic Study of the Impact of ABCB1 SNPs on Cyclosporine Response 💊
  5. Anticancer Effect of Cathelicidin LL-37, Protegrin PG-1, Nerve Growth Factor, and Temozolomide 💥
  6. Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Glial Tumors 🧬
  7. Secretory Phospholipase A2: Biomarker of Inflammation in Autoimmune, Bacterial, and Viral Diseases 🔬
  8. Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 in Russian Patients 🧬
  9. In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect of Streptococcus pyogenes and Peptides on Glioma Cells 🦠
  10. Molecular Mechanisms of Glioblastoma Multiforme Drug Resistance 🔬

Conclusion:

Alexandr Chernov is a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Research Scholar Award” due to his significant contributions to the fields of pathology, oncology, and immunology. His extensive publication record, successful leadership in grants, high citation index, and global research collaborations demonstrate his standing as a top-tier researcher. While expanding his outreach and collaboration with industry could further enhance his impact, his current work already stands as a noteworthy contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge and healthcare. His selection for this award would be a recognition of his ongoing dedication to research excellence and innovation in medical science.