Mr. Athok Maarif | SARS-CoV-2 Infection | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Athok Maarif, Tottori University, Japan

Athok Shofiudin Maarif is an emerging infectious disease researcher currently pursuing a PhD at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tottori University, Japan. With a foundational background in medicine from Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia, Athok has developed a unique blend of clinical insight and advanced research capabilities. His work spans virology, immunology, microbiology, and antimicrobial resistance. He has co-authored several high-impact publications addressing timely global health challenges, particularly related to COVID-19. Athok is skilled in next-generation sequencing, viral culture, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry, and he has hands-on experience in BSL-3 environments. He is recognized for his ability to bridge research with public health, earning multiple accolades and fellowships for his contributions to infectious disease control. His cross-cultural collaborations and commitment to translational research mark him as a promising leader in global health research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. High-Impact Research Publications:

   • Athok has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed papers in reputable journals such as Frontiers in Immunology, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Yonago Acta Medica, and Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy.

   • His work is cutting-edge, addressing SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence, immune dynamics during Omicron, and microbiome analysis using next-generation sequencing.

2. Technical Proficiency:

   • Mastery in NGS, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, BSL-3 practices, and microbial DNA/RNA extraction.

   • Conducts complex lab work involving viral assays, PBMC isolation, and genomic studies, giving him versatility in laboratory-based infectious disease research.

3. Strong International and Interdisciplinary Experience:

   • Research assistant roles in both Indonesia and Japan, combining clinical data, molecular science, and public health.

   • Recognized through fellowships and awards by USAID, INDOHUN, and international programs in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.

4. Public Health & Global Health Perspective:

   • Active in One Health programs and waterborne disease prevention, showing ability to translate science into community impact.

   • Leads projects bridging microbiological research with real-world health policy and outreach.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

1. Principal Investigator Role & Independent Research:

   • While he is a key contributor to multiple projects, Athok should aim to lead projects independently (e.g., as first or corresponding author in more papers).

   • Gaining competitive research grants or funding independently would strengthen his research autonomy.

2. Broaden Beyond SARS-CoV-2:

   • His current research is primarily focused on COVID-19 and related microbiota studies.

   • Expanding into other emerging infectious diseases or antimicrobial resistance pathogens could widen his impact and relevance long-term.

3. Increase Public and Policy Engagement Outputs:

   • While his research connects to public health, policy briefs, community health publications, or open-access science communication pieces would enhance visibility.

🎓 Education:

Athok Shofiudin Maarif is a PhD candidate in the Infectious Disease Department at the Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan, where he is expected to graduate in September 2025. His doctoral research focuses on the host-virus interface and antimicrobial resistance, utilizing cutting-edge genomic technologies. He previously earned his medical degree from Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia, graduating in April 2019. His education has emphasized both clinical medicine and research methodology, enabling him to tackle real-world infectious disease issues with scientific rigor. His early exposure to international academic programs, such as internships and short courses in Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, enriched his global perspective and research aptitude. This educational foundation supports his current success in producing high-impact publications and executing interdisciplinary projects within both clinical and laboratory settings, further validating his dedication to global infectious disease control and scientific discovery.

💼 Professional Experience:

Athok Shofiudin Maarif has diverse experience in both research and field-based public health programs. Since 2021, he has worked as a Research Assistant in the Infectious Disease Department at Tottori University, Japan, where he manages experimental protocols, clinical sample data, and lab logistics involving pathogens at BSL-2/BSL-3 levels. His contributions include data analysis, coordination of laboratory workflow, and execution of molecular diagnostics such as qRT-PCR and viral assays. From 2018 to 2020, he served as a Research Assistant in the Public Health Department at Sebelas Maret University, organizing collaborative projects with government and health organizations in Indonesia. His interdisciplinary roles bridge laboratory and community-based research, underlining his capacity to integrate policy, education, and science in infectious disease management. This hybrid skillset enables him to effectively contribute to global health innovations and strengthens his candidacy for international research honors.

🏅 Awards & Honors:

Athok has received numerous prestigious awards that reflect both his scientific aptitude and social leadership. In 2019, he was named Best Participant in the International Short Course on Ecosystem One-Health in Thailand. He interned at Tottori University’s Infectious Disease Department in 2018 and earned the Best Project Award from USAID-INDOHUN for a community-based waterborne disease initiative. His cross-border engagements include a project on HIV/AIDS awareness for youth in Vietnam and a Research Fellowship under Sebelas Maret University’s Global Challenge Program. Earlier, in 2016, he was awarded Best Oral Presenter at a national HIV-AIDS educational program and recognized in a USAID disease outbreak preparedness course. These accolades showcase his leadership, international collaboration, and dedication to health innovation. His capacity to deliver results in both academic and field environments reflects his strength as a well-rounded researcher and strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Athok’s research centers on infectious diseases, particularly at the intersection of virology, immunology, and antimicrobial resistance. His PhD explores host–virus interactions in persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections, including viral evolution and gene expression profiling. He is also investigating the dynamics of natural killer cells during the Omicron phase, providing insights into immune responses. His broader work encompasses the impact of antibiotics like lascufloxacin on gut microbiota, development of rapid PCR diagnostics for COVID-19, and a systematic meta-analysis of antimicrobial resistance trends in Indonesia (2000–2023). He is also comparing resistant bacteria’s genetic profiles between Japan and Indonesia. Athok applies advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and BSL-3 viral culture techniques to tackle complex microbiological questions. His interdisciplinary, cross-national research approach aims to contribute practical solutions for infectious disease diagnostics, treatment, and public health strategy.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

1. 🦠 Host–Virus Interface in Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infections: Viral Characteristic Evolution and Gene Expression Profiling Analysis

2. 🧪 Distinct Immunity Dynamics of Natural Killer Cells in Mild and Moderate COVID-19 Cases During the Omicron Variant Phase

3. 🧬 Temporal Effects of Lascufloxacin on Human Gut and Salivary Microbiota: Analysis Using Next-Generation Sequencing Method

4. 🧫 An Optimal Transport Medium for SARS-CoV-2 Detection in the Direct Method of Rapid Microfluidic PCR System

5. 💊 Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Indonesia (2000–2023): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Bacterial Resistance Across Antibiotic Classes (under review)

6. 🧻 Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance Characteristics and Genetic Profiles of Resistant Bacteria in Japan and Indonesia (ongoing)

📝 Conclusion:

Athok Shofiudin Maarif is an exceptionally promising early-career researcher in the field of infectious diseases. His strong international publication record, lab proficiency, and engagement in One Health initiatives make him highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His trajectory demonstrates significant leadership potential in translational virology and public health. With further development in grant leadership and broader disease focus, he will continue to emerge as a top-tier researcher in global infectious diseases.