Elena-Roxana Matache (Vasilache) | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mrs. Elena-Roxana Matache (Vasilache) | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Elena-Roxana Matache (Vasilache), Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania

Elena-Roxana Matache (Vasilache) is a dedicated Romanian researcher and academic with a strong background in pediatric infectious diseases, currently serving as a Doctoral Assistant at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați. Born on October 24, 1989, she has built a robust academic and research career focused on virology, respiratory infections, and antibiotic resistance in children. Elena is a passionate educator with qualifications in psychopedagogy and has actively contributed to both teaching and scientific research. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing her commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare. Her collaboration in multidisciplinary teams has led to insightful studies on SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus infections, and digestive pathogens. Through her impactful research, Elena continues to play a crucial role in improving diagnostic and treatment strategies for pediatric patients. Her dedication and scientific contributions make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Robust Research Output: Over 11 peer-reviewed publications across international journals like Viruses, Pediatric Pulmonology, and Technium BioChemMed, with significant contributions to pediatric infectious diseases.

  2. Focused Research Themes: Specializes in respiratory viral infections, SARS-CoV-2, antibiotic resistance, and gastrointestinal viruses in children—areas of major global health interest.

  3. Scientific Recognition: Recipient of First and Second Prizes at doctoral-level scientific conferences for research on SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory infections in children.

  4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works with interdisciplinary teams combining clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory expertise—demonstrating strong teamwork and communication skills.

  5. Educational Contribution: Active academic involvement as a Doctoral Assistant since 2020, contributing to student training and curriculum development.

  6. Language Proficiency: Fluent in Romanian and Spanish at C1 level, enabling collaboration across linguistic boundaries.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Exposure: While her publication record is strong, increasing international conference participation or fellowships would further raise her profile globally.

  2. Research Funding & Grants: Future applications for national or European research grants would solidify her independence and research leadership.

  3. Independent Lead Authorship: Expanding her role as first or corresponding author across high-impact publications would better establish her as a principal investigator.

  4. Innovation & Technology Use: Engaging in molecular diagnostics, AI in medicine, or public health informatics could diversify her impact and align with global research trends.

🎓 Education:

Elena-Roxana Matache completed her higher education at the “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Romania. She earned certifications in psycho-pedagogical training programs, completing Level I in early 2021 under the Ministry of Health, and Level II in mid-2021 through the Ministry of Education. These qualifications reflect her commitment to both research and academic teaching. Her educational background combines medical expertise with pedagogy, equipping her with essential skills for both clinical instruction and scientific research. Elena’s multidisciplinary training has enabled her to pursue a doctoral path in the medical field, focusing on pediatric infectious diseases and public health. Her education emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development, and her role as a doctoral assistant underscores her capability to bridge scientific inquiry with clinical application and medical education. Her diverse academic background supports her ongoing contributions to the fields of pediatric medicine, microbiology, and virology.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Since October 2020, Elena-Roxana Matache has held the position of Doctoral Assistant at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați. In this academic role, she is involved in both teaching and research activities, focusing on pediatric medicine, infectious diseases, and virology. She collaborates with medical professionals and researchers in conducting clinical studies, publishing scientific papers, and mentoring students. Elena has co-authored numerous high-impact publications on viral respiratory infections, SARS-CoV-2, and antibiotic resistance in children. Her contributions to scientific conferences and academic events further illustrate her active engagement in the medical research community. Working in a university clinical setting, she bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Her hands-on experience with pediatric cases and laboratory analysis, combined with her strong academic foundation, positions her as a key contributor to child healthcare research in Romania.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Elena-Roxana Matache has received significant recognition for her scientific work through academic awards and honors. She was awarded First Prize at the 10th edition of the Scientific Conference of the Doctoral School “CSSD” (June 2022) for her research on RT-PCR cycle threshold analysis in children with SARS-CoV-2. In June 2025, she won the Second Prize at the 13th edition of the same conference for her clinical profile research on respiratory infections in children under two years of age. Her impactful work in pediatric virology and epidemiology continues to receive acknowledgment from academic institutions and peer researchers. Elena’s awards underscore her methodical research approach and commitment to addressing real-world health challenges through scientific investigation. These honors demonstrate her ongoing contribution to pediatric health and infectious disease management, affirming her status as a high-performing researcher and educator with substantial academic potential.

🔬 Research Focus:

Elena-Roxana Matache’s research primarily focuses on pediatric infectious diseases, with a special emphasis on viral respiratory infections, gastrointestinal pathogens, SARS-CoV-2, and antibiotic resistance in children. Her investigations include the epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical management of infections caused by adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Her work has also addressed immune markers like IgA and IgG in the diagnosis of celiac disease, and she has contributed significantly to understanding COVID-19 impacts in pediatric and pregnant populations. Elena is interested in translational medicine, connecting clinical findings with laboratory data to improve diagnostic tools and public health interventions. Her multidisciplinary research involves collaboration with clinicians, microbiologists, and epidemiologists, leading to evidence-based solutions for pediatric care. Through her publications and conference presentations, she has contributed valuable insights to global discussions on child health, making her an active and impactful researcher in the medical field.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🦠 Pathogen Profile of Children Hospitalised with Viral Respiratory Infections in Galati County, Romania – Viruses, 2025

  2. 🧬 Prevalence of Respiratory Tract Infections With Adenovirus in Children – Pediatric Pulmonology, 2025

  3. 🧫 The Role of IgA and IgG Anti-Transglutaminase Antibodies in the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Children – Technium BioChemMed, 2023

  4. 💊 Aspects of Antibiotic Resistance for Klebsiella Pneumoniae in a Children Hospital – Innovative Romanian Food Biotechnology, 2023

  5. 🚼 Antibiotic Resistance in Urinary Tract Infection in Children – Technium BioChemMed, 2022

  6. 🧻 Digestive Infections with Norovirus, Rotavirus and Adenovirus in Children from Galati County – Romanian Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 2022

  7. 🤰 Current Aspects in the Management of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy – Economics and Applied Informatics, 2022

  8. 🧪 The Management of Adenovirus Infection in the Children’s Hospital from Galati – Economics and Applied Informatics, 2022

  9. 🧍‍♂️ Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Adults in Galati Area – Annals of Dunarea de Jos University Galati, Medicine, 2020

  10. 🧠 Neurological Affections Impact in Geriatrics – Annals of Dunarea de Jos University Galati, Medicine, 2020

🧾 Conclusion:

Elena-Roxana Matache demonstrates all the essential qualities of a high-potential early-career researcher—scientific productivity, topical expertise, and a clear focus on impactful pediatric health issues. Her publications, awards, and active engagement in academic and clinical research make her a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

PANAGIOTA TSIATSIOU | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. PANAGIOTA TSIATSIOU | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. PANAGIOTA TSIATSIOU, AHEPA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, Greece

Dr. Panagiota Tsiatsiou is a dedicated medical biopathologist with over two decades of service in the Greek National Health System. Born on March 17, 1969, in Thessaloniki, Greece, she earned her M.D. from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has specialized in hematology diagnostics, molecular biology, and public health. Since 2011, she has served in the Hematology Section at AHEPA University Hospital and was appointed Director in 2018. Her role extends beyond diagnostics to include leadership, training of residents, and managing lab operations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With three Master’s degrees and active participation in scientific publications and conferences, Dr. Tsiatsiou continues to bridge clinical practice and research. Her work on angiopoietins and biomarkers in COVID-19 patients demonstrates her commitment to innovative healthcare solutions and translational medicine.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Clinical and Laboratory Expertise
    Over 20 years of experience in microbiology and hematology laboratories, with advanced specialization in Medical Biopathology, PCR techniques, and molecular hematology.

  2. Research Impact in COVID-19
    Lead author in two recent international peer-reviewed publications (2024, 2025) on angiopoietins and endothelial damage in COVID-19—topics of significant relevance in post-pandemic biomedical research.

  3. Academic Qualifications
    Holder of three Master’s degrees in Health Services Management, Public Health, and Biomedical Sciences—demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary foundation and commitment to academic excellence.

  4. Mentorship and Leadership
    Director of the Hematology Section at AHEPA University Hospital since 2018; deeply involved in resident training and lab coordination, especially during the pandemic, proving strong leadership under crisis.

  5. Scientific Contribution

    • 6 publications (4 international, 2 Greek)

    • 99 scientific papers

    • Participation in 158 scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars—highlighting strong engagement with the research community.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Global Visibility
    While research quality is high, international recognition could be improved by targeting higher-impact journals and expanding collaborations outside Greece.

  2. Grants and Funding Leadership
    CV does not specify involvement in research grant acquisition or project funding management—which are often critical metrics in high-level research awards.

  3. Innovation and Patents
    There is no mention of patents, technological innovation, or industry partnerships, which could further enhance her scientific portfolio.

  4. Broader Publication Scope
    Expanding beyond COVID-19-related studies to publish more widely in hematologic and molecular diagnostics would strengthen her long-term research narrative.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Tsiatsiou holds a solid educational background in medicine and public health. She completed her M.D. at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1988–1995), followed by rural service and specialization in Medical Biopathology at Theageneio Anticancer Hospital, obtaining her board certification in 2002. She pursued a Master’s in Health Services Management (2005–2008) at the Hellenic Open University, focusing on blood donor psychology. She furthered her expertise with a Master’s in Public Health at the National School of Public Health, where she studied foodborne infections. Additionally, she obtained a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Diagnosis and Therapy, focusing on genetic mutations like FV Leiden. Her academic trajectory reflects a deep interdisciplinary approach—combining clinical knowledge, health systems, and research.

🏥 Experience:

Dr. Tsiatsiou’s clinical career spans more than 20 years, primarily within Greece’s National Health System. From 2003 to 2020, she served in various microbiology labs, refining her diagnostic skills. Since July 2011, she has worked in the Hematology Section at AHEPA University Hospital, leading the unit since 2018. Her expertise includes hemostasis, hemoglobinopathies, and molecular testing, and she has been instrumental in staff training and lab management. She led the hemostasis lab during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity and quality of diagnostics under pressure. Her dedication to resident education in both Medical Biopathology and General Medicine has made her a respected mentor. Dr. Tsiatsiou’s leadership has elevated the lab’s scientific output, and her involvement in over 150 conferences showcases her engagement with ongoing medical developments.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Tsiatsiou’s research is centered on hematology diagnostics, hemostasis disorders, and molecular markers in infectious diseases. Her most recent work investigates endothelial damage and angiopoietin levels as predictors in COVID-19 patients during the Delta and Omicron waves. This research bridges laboratory medicine with clinical outcomes, offering vital insights into disease severity and prognostics. She also explores genetic predispositions, such as FV Leiden mutations, in thrombotic risk profiling. Her postgraduate theses and training in PCR and molecular hematology underscore her commitment to translational science. With 6 peer-reviewed publications and 99 scientific papers, her academic output is diverse and impactful. Dr. Tsiatsiou’s multidimensional research contributes not only to hematology but also to public health and epidemiology, making her work highly relevant in modern medicine and worthy of recognition.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📄 Biomarkers of Endothelial Damage and Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients, Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2025

  2. 📄 Angiopoietins as Predictor Indexes in COVID-19 Patients in Delta and Omicron Waves, Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2024

  3. 📄 Thesis: Trends, Attitudes, and Motivations of Blood Donors and Non-Donors – Hellenic Open University

  4. 📄 Thesis: Foodborne Infections in Urban and Rural Populations of Central Macedonia – National School of Public Health

  5. 📄 Thesis: Prevalence of FV Leiden Mutation in a Tertiary Hospital – Democritus University of Thrace & IHU

  6. 📄 Additional 99 scientific papers and 158 participations in academic events

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Panagiota Tsiatsiou is a highly qualified and impactful researcher with significant contributions in hematology, molecular diagnostics, and public health. Her recent publications in Current Issues in Molecular Biology show scientific depth and relevance, especially regarding the clinical progression of COVID-19. She is an excellent candidate for a national or institutional Best Researcher Award, particularly in medical diagnostics and laboratory medicine.