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.

Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiying Fan , College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University , China

Dr. Huiying Fan is a distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, specializing in veterinary virology and immunology. As a core member of the Key Laboratory for Veterinary Vaccine Development, his expertise includes creating genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses. Dr. Fan has published over 40 research papers in leading journals, including Journal of Virology and Emerging Microbes & Infections, and holds 11 invention patents. His career has been marked by significant contributions to animal virus research and vaccine development, with extensive involvement in national research programs. He has been recognized with several provincial and ministerial-level awards and is actively involved in scientific development and industry collaboration in China.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Huiying Fan has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of veterinary virology and immunology, particularly in the development of vaccines for animal viruses. He is a recognized leader in the creation of genetically engineered vaccines, with over 40 SCI papers published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Virology, Emerging Microbes & Infection, and Vaccines. His involvement in groundbreaking research on the pathogenic mechanisms of viruses like avian influenza, porcine epidemic diarrhea, and African swine fever underscores his expertise. Furthermore, Dr. Fan has been granted 11 invention patents and is an influential figure in national research programs, such as the National Key Research and Development Program. His leadership as a professor and mentor, coupled with his ongoing innovations in virus detection and vaccine development, showcases his remarkable impact in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Fan’s scientific research has been groundbreaking, expanding his focus on broader global collaborations could enhance the scope of his work. In particular, his work could benefit from incorporating more interdisciplinary approaches, combining cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence or big data analytics, which are becoming increasingly crucial in disease surveillance and vaccine development. Moreover, his research could further address the application of his vaccine technologies in low-resource settings, to maximize global health impact. Engaging more actively in science communication could also help translate his findings into policies or programs that benefit larger populations, both within China and internationally.

Education:

Dr. Fan completed his Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, in June 2007. During his doctoral research, he focused on the study of veterinary diseases and virus-host interactions, laying a strong foundation for his future work in vaccine development. His commitment to advancing veterinary science continued through postdoctoral training, followed by his establishment as a professor at South China Agricultural University. His education reflects his dedication to merging academic research with practical applications for the improvement of animal health and disease prevention.

Experience:

Dr. Fan’s career began in 2007 as a professor at South China Agricultural University, where he became a leading figure in veterinary medicine. He has also contributed significantly to international research, evidenced by his six-month research visit to City University of Hong Kong in 2016. As a core member of several high-impact research initiatives, including the National Key Research and Development Program, he has played a vital role in advancing veterinary virology and vaccine development. Dr. Fan’s extensive expertise has led to collaborations across national projects and scientific endeavors, particularly in the realm of infectious diseases and immune responses in animals.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Fan has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career, including 8 provincial and ministerial-level honors. Notably, he was named a “Pearl River Science and Technology Star” in Guangzhou and recognized as a “Science and Technology Commissioner” by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. His contributions to veterinary science have garnered recognition both within China and internationally, highlighting his commitment to scientific excellence and industry collaboration. These accolades underscore his leadership in veterinary vaccine research and his influence on public health initiatives concerning animal diseases.

Research Focus:

Dr. Fan’s primary research interests lie in the molecular design of genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses, including those affecting poultry and swine. His studies explore the immune mechanisms and pathogenesis of viruses such as avian influenza and porcine viral diarrhea. In addition to his work on vaccine development, he investigates the use of innovative techniques, including CRISPR/Cas12a and proteomics, to better understand virus-host interactions and to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for animal diseases. His focus on veterinary virology aims to enhance both animal and public health outcomes.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “A single immunization with H5N1 virus-like particle vaccine protects chickens against divergent H5N1 influenza viruses” 🐔🦠
  2. “Influenza H7N9 Virus Hemagglutinin with T169A Mutation Possesses Enhanced Thermostability” 🦠❄️
  3. “Immune Escape Mechanism and Vaccine Research Progress of African Swine Fever Virus” 🐖🦠
  4. “Supplementation of H7N9 Virus-Like Particle Vaccine With Recombinant Epitope Antigen Confers Full Protection” 🦠💉
  5. “PEDV infection affects the expression of polyamine-related genes inhibiting viral proliferation” 🐖🧬
  6. “Proteome Analysis in PAM Cells Reveals That African Swine Fever Virus Can Regulate Intracellular Polyamines” 🧬🔬
  7. “CRISPR/Cas12a Technology Combined with Immunochromatographic Strips for Portable Detection of ASF Virus” 🧬🦠
  8. “Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Changes in Vero Cells in Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus” 🐖🔬
  9. “Coimmunization with recombinant epitope-expressing baculovirus enhances protective effects of H5N1 vaccine” 💉🦠
  10. “Either fadD1 or fadD2, Which Encode acyl-CoA Synthetase, Is Essential for the Survival of Haemophilus parasuis SC096” 🦠🔬
  11. “Two Glycosyltransferase Genes of Haemophilus parasuis SC096 Implicated in Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis” 🧬🦠
  12. “Recombinant baculovirus vaccine containing multiple M2e and adjuvant LT induces T cell-dependent protection against H5N1” 💉🦠
  13. “BacMam virus-based surface display of IBV S1 glycoprotein confers strong protection against virulent IBV challenge” 🐔🦠
  14. “Quantitative Proteomics by Amino Acid Labeling in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus-Infected Cells” 🐄🧬
  15. “Quantitative proteomics using SILAC reveals protein and pathway regulation in porcine circovirus type 2 infected PK-15 cells” 🐖🧬

Conclusion:

Dr. Huiying Fan is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding contributions to animal virus research, innovative vaccine design, and leadership in national research initiatives. His extensive publication record, patent portfolio, and recognition through prestigious awards highlight his scientific excellence. Although expanding his collaborative network and exploring interdisciplinary methodologies could elevate his impact further, Dr. Fan’s work has already had a profound effect on veterinary medicine and public health, making him a well-deserved nominee for this award.