Maria Andriolo | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Innovation Award

Dr. Maria Andriolo | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Innovation Award

Dr. Maria Andriolo, ASP CALTANISSETTA, Italy

Maria Andriolo is a dedicated biomedical researcher and clinical biologist with extensive experience in neuroscience, immunology, and post-traumatic disorders. Her multidisciplinary approach has led to impactful contributions in clinical diagnostics, neurorehabilitation, and infectious disease studies. With decades of experience across leading Italian institutions, she combines clinical insight with scientific rigor. She has served in prestigious roles such as a Member of the State Examination Commission and President of Public Selection Committees. Dr. Andriolo is widely published, collaborating on pioneering studies in fields including brain trauma, sepsis diagnostics, and vaccine immunoresponse. Known for her collaborative spirit and leadership, she also contributes as a conference moderator and educator. Her body of work reflects a deep commitment to translational science that benefits patient care and public health.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Multidisciplinary Research Impact
    Dr. Andriolo’s work spans key medical research areas including:

    • Neurology (e.g., traumatic brain injury, disorders of consciousness)

    • Clinical Biochemistry (e.g., neuron-specific enolase, BDNF, CSF biomarkers)

    • Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (e.g., antimicrobial resistance, sepsis diagnostics)

    • Immunology & Vaccine Response (e.g., post-COVID vaccine serology in healthcare workers)

  2. Innovation with Real-World Impact
    Her studies focus on biomarkers for rapid diagnosis, rehabilitation outcomes, and immune responses, directly translating into improved patient care, particularly in:

    • Post-traumatic brain disorders

    • Early detection of sepsis

    • Infection control strategies

  3. Collaborative and High-Impact Publications

    • Extensive peer-reviewed articles in PubMed-indexed journals like Journal of Neurotrauma, Brain Sciences, Vaccines, and Science Reports.

    • Publications show collaborations with leading national research teams and hospitals.

  4. Scientific Leadership & Recognition

    • Appointed as President of National Selection Committees and State Examiner for Biologist Certification.

    • Served as Moderator at ECM Conferences, further demonstrating peer trust and scientific communication skills.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Lead Authorship and Project Ownership

    • While her publication record is strong, she is mostly listed as co-author. Clear documentation of principal investigator roles, research grants led, or independent innovation patents would further bolster her candidacy.

  2. International Presence

    • A broader international profile (e.g., global conferences, cross-border collaborative studies, citations from non-EU entities) could elevate her global impact.

  3. Recent Innovation Highlights

    • A focused submission highlighting a single groundbreaking innovation (e.g., biomarker panel for TBI prognosis or rapid sepsis tool) would align more clearly with “Best Innovation” award criteria.

🎓 Education:

While the detailed educational background isn’t listed, Maria Andriolo’s professional and scientific achievements imply a robust academic foundation in Biology, Neuroscience, and Clinical Diagnostics, likely culminating in at least a Master’s or Doctorate-level education in Biomedical Sciences. Her involvement as a State Examiner for Biologist Qualification and leader of academic committees suggests a longstanding connection with university-level institutions, particularly the University of Messina. Given her expertise and publication record, it is evident she has received specialized training in neurobiology, molecular genetics, clinical chemistry, and medical microbiology. She has actively participated in ECM-accredited medical conferences, indicating a commitment to continuing professional development. This mix of structured education and applied training positions her as a highly qualified scientific professional.

💼 Professional Experience:

Maria Andriolo holds significant academic and clinical leadership roles. She was appointed in July 2024 as a Member of the State Examination Commission for Biologists at the University of Messina, overseeing professional certifications. In June 2023, she served as President of the Examination Committee for a public selection competition for C1 research staff. She is frequently invited to act as a moderator at ECM-accredited conferences, underscoring her peer recognition in the field. Her expertise spans biomedical research, academic evaluation, and public health diagnostics. Maria’s ability to combine scientific knowledge with regulatory oversight and teaching makes her a valuable contributor to academia and public institutions. Her leadership and participation in national scientific initiatives demonstrate her commitment to innovation, clinical application, and academic excellence.

🔬 Research Focus:

Maria Andriolo’s research is anchored in neuroscience, post-traumatic disorders, biomarkers, and infectious diseases. Her work often centers on patients with disorders of consciousness following trauma, analyzing biomarkers like BDNF, neurofilaments, and amyloid-beta proteins. She is a leading contributor in understanding the neurochemical pathways associated with brain injury and rehabilitation. Maria has also co-authored influential studies on sepsis diagnostics, immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, and antimicrobial resistance. Her research combines laboratory diagnostics with clinical applications, enabling faster diagnoses and more effective treatment strategies. She is known for utilizing multidisciplinary frameworks, involving neurologists, microbiologists, and clinicians to translate science into solutions. This strong translational impact underscores her candidacy for the Best Innovation Award, as she bridges the gap between research and patient-centered innovation.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 Reduced neuron-specific enolase levels in chronic severe traumatic brain injury

  2. 🧬 Multidisciplinary approach for the rapid diagnosis of sepsis

  3. 💉 Serological analysis of humoral immune response in Sicilian HCWs post-COVID vaccination

  4. 🧠 Dissociation of CSF amyloid-beta and tau in post-traumatic consciousness disorders

  5. 💉 Staphylococcus aureus in bloodstream infections: frequency & antimicrobial resistance

  6. 🧠 Serum BDNF levels are reduced in disorders of consciousness

  7. 🧠 Six-month outcomes in traumatic consciousness disorders (hemorrhagic/non-hemorrhagic)

  8. 🧠 BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and post-traumatic vegetative state recovery

  9. 💉 Anaphylaxis to streptomycin

  10. 🧠 Prolonged CSF neurofilament light chain increase in traumatic brain patients

🏁 Conclusion:

Maria Andriolo is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Research for Best Innovation Award. Her research demonstrates:

  • Exceptional depth in translational neuroscience and diagnostics

  • A strong commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration

  • A clear track record of innovation that impacts both patient outcomes and healthcare protocols

 

 

 

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

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, RomaniaViruses, 2025

  2. 🧬 Prevalence of Respiratory Tract Infections With Adenovirus in ChildrenPediatric Pulmonology, 2025

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

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

  5. 🚼 Antibiotic Resistance in Urinary Tract Infection in ChildrenTechnium BioChemMed, 2022

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

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

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

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

  10. 🧠 Neurological Affections Impact in GeriatricsAnnals 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.