Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Hellenic Pasteur Institute| Greece

Drosos Kourounis is a seasoned biomedical scientist based at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, his career has spanned from research on parasitic protozoa to developing air purification technologies for public health. His journey began with a BSc and MSc in Biology from the University of Athens, focusing on Leishmania molecular mechanisms. He progressively transitioned into applied research and pharmaceutical quality control, currently serving as the QA/QC Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. Alongside his scientific duties, he has actively participated in several national seminars and certifications in ISO standards and laboratory quality systems. His contributions to publications, including work on UV-C air disinfection and pathogen bioaerosols, show his commitment to translational science and public health safety. Kourounis’s multidisciplinary skills, research impact, and quality-driven mindset make him a standout figure in the field of biomedical research.

Publication Profile:

Ocrid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Diverse Research Portfolio: Dr. Kourounis combines basic molecular biology research (e.g., Leishmania donovani protein characterization) with applied public health innovations, such as UVC air filtration devices.

  2. Peer-Reviewed Publications: Multiple first- and co-author publications in reputable journals like International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Clinical Research and Reviews highlight his consistent research productivity.

  3. Quality & Regulatory Expertise: His role as QA/QC Manager and extensive ISO training show strong competence in scientific quality assurance, a rare but highly valuable skill in biomedical research.

  4. Public Health Impact: His work on airborne microbial bioaerosols reduction is highly relevant to healthcare, particularly in post-pandemic times.

  5. Academic Excellence: Achieved a 10/10 thesis grade for MSc research and has shown continued academic engagement and scientific rigor.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. More International Collaborations: While his current network is strong locally, expanding his collaborations globally would increase visibility and cross-disciplinary impact.

  2. Greater Research Specialization: A more narrowly defined focus could strengthen academic identity and make his profile stand out further among specialized researchers.

  3. Funding and Grants: No mention of securing independent grants or fellowships, which are key indicators of research independence and innovation leadership.

🎓 Education:

Drosos Kourounis holds both a Bachelor of Science (2013) and Master of Science (2017) in Biology from the University of Athens, Greece. His MSc focused on molecular parasitology, specifically the cloning and characterization of a secreted nexin-like protein from Leishmania donovani, which earned him a perfect thesis score (10/10). Complementing his formal education, Kourounis has pursued multiple professional certifications in laboratory quality systems, including ISO 17025 and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation seminars, conducted by institutions like TUV HELLAS and HellasLab. In 2021, he also completed certified training in laboratory animal science at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, showing his commitment to ethical and regulatory compliance in biomedical research. His training portfolio demonstrates a keen interest in continuous education and the application of scientific standards in both academic and industrial environments. His educational journey reflects a balance between foundational science and regulatory excellence.

💼 Experience:

Drosos Kourounis has over 7 years of cumulative experience in biomedical research and quality control. He is currently the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute (since January 2023), where he oversees pharmaceutical QC processes. Previously, he served as Senior QC Analyst (2022) and QC Analyst (2019–2021) at the same institution. His earlier roles include Scientific Collaborator at MEGALAB S.A. and Research Assistant at the Intracellular Parasitism group in the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. During his research tenure, he contributed to molecular studies on Leishmania donovani and the development of innovative air disinfection systems. He is recognized for his dual role as a scientist and regulatory professional, combining rigorous lab work with compliance to ISO standards. His professional trajectory showcases a steady progression toward leadership in quality control, along with consistent scientific contributions to public health and infectious disease research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Drosos Kourounis’s research lies at the intersection of molecular parasitology, bioaerosol control, and public health technology. His academic work began with the cloning and analysis of Leishmania donovani proteins, contributing to the understanding of host-parasite interactions. Transitioning from pure biology, his focus expanded to the development of innovative air disinfection technologies, including UV-C integrated filtration systems aimed at mitigating microbial exposure in clinical and public environments. This shift highlights a commitment to translational research that addresses real-world problems, such as hospital-acquired infections and airborne pathogen control. His contributions are evident in publications across molecular sciences and applied electromagnetics. Moreover, he incorporates quality assurance principles into his scientific work, ensuring research reproducibility and compliance with international standards.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

  • 🧬 Cloning and molecular characterization of the secreted nexin-like protein LdPIBPnex, from the protozoon Leishmania donovani

  • 🌬️ Substantial Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols by Using a Novel Combination of Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology in Areas of Public Interest

  • 🧫 Characterization of the First Secreted Sorting Nexin Identified in the Leishmania Protists

  • 🏥 A Study on the Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols at Indoor Air of Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit by Using Novel Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology

  • 😷 Design and Analysis of a Protecting Breathing Device (VITER) Disinfecting Air with an Integrated UVC Radiation Mechanism

 

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Drosos Kourounis demonstrates exceptional dedication to biomedical research, quality assurance, and innovation in public health safety. His dual focus on molecular parasitology and technological solutions for microbial air control showcases both scientific depth and societal impact. With a growing publication record and leadership role in a premier research institute, he is well-positioned for recognition. Enhancing global visibility and grant acquisition could elevate his profile further. Overall, he is highly suitable and deserving of serious consideration for the Best Researcher Award.

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.