Imed Messaoudi | Ecotoxicology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Prof. Imed Messaoudi | Ecotoxicology | Best Researcher Award

Head of LR11ES41 Laboratory at Laboratoire GBVB, Tunisia

Imed Messaoudi, born on September 20, 1968, in Sousse, Tunisia, is a Professor of Animal Physiology at the Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir (ISBM). Since April 2016, he has held the title of Professor, specializing in animal physiology. He currently directs the research laboratory LR11ES41 and coordinates the Master’s program in Biology and Cellular Physiology. Fluent in Arabic and French, with basic English skills, Imed combines his academic expertise with administrative responsibilities, including leadership roles in national recruitment commissions. He is active internationally, serving as a visiting professor in Italy and coordinating several cross-border research projects. His research addresses neurophysiology, endocrinology, and ecotoxicology, with over 77 publications and an H-index of 30, reflecting significant scientific contributions. Imed is also involved in fostering innovation in pedagogy and managing partnerships between academia and industry.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus 

ORCID 

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Imed Messaoudi’s academic journey began with a Diplôme des Études Approfondies in Animal Ecology, obtained in 1999, marking his early specialization in biological sciences. He earned his Doctorate in Biological Sciences in February 2003, emphasizing rigorous scientific training. Following his PhD, he advanced his qualifications by obtaining a Diplôme d’Habilitation Universitaire in April 2009, which enabled him to supervise doctoral research and lead academic programs. His educational path is tightly linked to Tunisia’s higher education system, particularly at the Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir. This strong academic foundation underpins his research and teaching expertise in physiology. Throughout his education, Imed focused on animal physiology, ecology, and biotechnological applications, enabling him to blend theory with practical research skills. His academic qualifications facilitated his progression from assistant professor to full professor, reinforcing his role in academia as both educator and researcher.

🏗 Experience 

Imed Messaoudi has built a distinguished career at the Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir. Starting in 2003 as a Maître Assistant, he steadily progressed to Maître de Conférences by 2011 and became a full Professor in 2016. His extensive teaching covers subjects such as endocrinology, neurophysiology, aquatic animal physiology, human physiology, and neurodegenerative diseases. Imed supervises doctoral theses, having guided 11 PhD students, and has overseen innovative pedagogical projects like “Teaching Research by Research,” integrating practical research in Master’s courses. He directs the research laboratory LR11ES41 since 2016, coordinating research teams and international projects. His roles extend beyond academia to administrative leadership, including membership in scientific councils and national recruitment committees. Imed also fosters partnerships with industry and international institutions, ensuring research results translate into socio-economic impact. His experience combines education, research leadership, and active participation in scientific collaboration both nationally and internationally.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Imed Messaoudi has received several prestigious recognitions throughout his career. Notably, he served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy, during multiple years (2018–2024), underscoring his international academic reputation. His publications have earned significant citations and visibility, including a highly regarded article in Pineal Research in 2020 with an impact factor of 15.22. He is an active member of national recruitment commissions for academic positions in biology and physiology, often presiding over these committees. Additionally, Imed contributes as a reviewer for international scientific journals with impact factors, affirming his expertise in the field. He holds leadership roles in scientific associations, such as Secretary-General of the Ecotoxicology and Ecophysiology Association and Treasurer of the Tunisian Psycho-Neuro-Endocrino-Immunology Association. These honors highlight his contributions to science, education, and academic governance, as well as his dedication to advancing research in Tunisia and abroad.

🔬 Research Focus

Imed Messaoudi’s research centers on animal physiology with a strong emphasis on neurophysiology, endocrinology, and ecotoxicology. He investigates the effects of environmental pollutants like cadmium and microplastics on biological functions, including reproductive and neurodegenerative diseases. His work explores molecular mechanisms such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamics, and steroidogenesis, often using rodent and fish models. He has contributed substantially to understanding how toxins affect reproductive health, particularly testicular and ovarian functions, and the neuroprotective roles of molecules like melatonin. His projects span from cellular to systemic physiology, integrating experimental biology with environmental sciences. Imed’s research also includes studying biomarkers for toxicity and developing innovative approaches to animal experimentation. Collaborating on numerous international projects, his work aims to provide new insights into mitigating environmental and health risks through physiological and biochemical interventions, bridging basic science and applied research.

🛠 Skills 

Imed Messaoudi possesses a broad and advanced skill set spanning experimental physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. He excels in designing and supervising complex in vivo and in vitro experiments focused on neurophysiology, endocrinology, and toxicology. His expertise includes techniques in animal experimentation, histology, molecular assays (e.g., gene expression analysis), and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Imed is skilled in academic leadership, managing research teams, and coordinating multidisciplinary projects with international partners. He has strong pedagogical skills, implementing innovative teaching methods that integrate research with student training. His language proficiency in Arabic and French enhances communication and collaboration in diverse environments. Imed is also experienced in scientific writing, peer review, and grant proposal development. His ability to manage scientific consortia and foster partnerships between academia and industry further highlights his leadership and project management competencies.

Publications Top Notes

1. Adverse effects of a realistic concentration of human exposure to microplastics on markers of placental barrier permeability in pregnant rats
📊 Citations: 0 (newly published)
📚 Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
📅 Year: 2025

 

2. Adverse effects of environmentally relevant concentration of microplastics on gill epithelium permeability in the euryhaline Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus
📊 Citations: 1
📚 Source: Chemosphere
📅 Year: 2024

 

3. Steroidogenesis Upregulation through Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Rat Testes: The Role of D-Aspartate
📊 Citations: 4
📚 Source: Cells
📅 Year: 2024

 

4. 3-aminohydantoin derivate as a promising scaffold in dopaminergic neuroprotection and neurorescue in Parkinson’s models
📊 Citations: 6
📚 Source: Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology
📅 Year: 2023

 

5. Improving Dietary Zinc Bioavailability Using New Food Fortification Approaches: A Promising Tool to Boost Immunity in the Light of COVID-19
📊 Citations: 9
📚 Source: Biology
📅 Year: 2023

 

6. Environmental microplastics exposure alter the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stromal cells
📊 Citations: 13
📚 Source: Environmental Research
📅 Year: 2022

 

7. Exposure to microplastics leads to a defective ovarian function and change in cytoskeleton protein expression in rat
📊 Citations: 17
📚 Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
📅 Year: 2022

 

8. Interactions between cadmium and zinc on gene expression pattern of differentiation markers in MC3T3-E1 cell line
📊 Citations: 8
📚 Source: Xenobiotica
📅 Year: 2021

 

9. Altered Expression of DAAM1 and PREP Induced by Cadmium Toxicity Is Counteracted by Melatonin in the Rat Testis
📊 Citations: 20
📚 Source: Genes
📅 Year: 2021

 

10. Melatonin protects bone against cadmium-induced toxicity via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
📊 Citations: 27
📚 Source: Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods
📅 Year: 2020

 

11. First evidence on protective effect of exogenous melatonin against disruption of the estrogenic pathway in bone metabolism of killifish
📊 Citations: 15
📚 Source: Fish Physiology and Biochemistry
📅 Year: 2020

 

12. Disruption of Bone Zinc Metabolism during Postnatal Development of Rats after Early Life Exposure to Cadmium
📊 Citations: 31
📚 Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
📅 Year: 2020

 

13. Early-Life Exposure to Cadmium Triggers Distinct Zn-Dependent Protein Expression Patterns and Impairs Brain Development
📊 Citations: 39
📚 Source: Biological Trace Element Research
📅 Year: 2018

 

14. Involvement of testicular DAAM1 expression in zinc protection against cadmium-induced male rat reproductive toxicity
📊 Citations: 41
📚 Source: Journal of Cellular Physiology
📅 Year: 2018

 

15. Involvement of Zn Depletion in Cd-Induced Toxicity on Prenatal Bone Formation in Rat
📊 Citations: 47
📚 Source: Biological Trace Element Research
📅 Year: 2017

Conclusion✅

Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Ms. Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Brazil

Beatriz Pires da Silva is a passionate biomedical scientist and Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), Brazil 🧪. From her undergraduate days, she has worked closely with the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a reference center in the extra-Amazon region 🇧🇷. Beatriz’s early scientific contributions focus on zoonotic malaria transmission and molecular diagnostic markers for Plasmodium falciparum. Her first-author publication has contributed to raising awareness of lesser-known transmission pathways of malaria in Brazil, with implications for public health policies. She has collaborated with respected international scientists such as Didier Menard and George Snounou 🌍. Though at the beginning of her career, Beatriz exhibits exceptional dedication to research, public health, and scientific development. Her goal is to continue building knowledge that supports malaria control, elimination, and innovation through evidence-based molecular research and collaborative science 🤝.

Professional Profiles📖

ORCID

Education 🎓

Beatriz Pires da Silva is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute / Fiocruz in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 📘. Her educational journey began during her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Sciences, where she engaged in research at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a leading center for malaria studies in the Brazilian extra-Amazon region 🔬. During this time, she was actively involved in molecular diagnostic activities, gaining hands-on training in techniques crucial to infectious disease analysis. Her graduation thesis focused on zoonotic malaria transmission and has since evolved into a published scientific article 📝. Through her academic path, Beatriz has demonstrated a commitment to mastering the molecular aspects of parasitology and developing research that bridges field data with laboratory science. She continues to expand her academic skills in genetics, epidemiology, and malaria diagnosis, setting a strong foundation for a career in tropical disease research 🌿.

Work Experience💼

Beatriz’s research experience began at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), where she worked during her undergraduate years as a student researcher 👩‍🔬. She actively participated in the molecular diagnosis routine at CPD-Mal (Malaria Research, Diagnosis, and Training Center), gaining valuable practical exposure to real-time diagnostics, PCR, and gene analysis 🧬. Her main contribution during this time was compiling and analyzing data related to zoonotic malaria transmission in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region — a project that led to her first scientific publication. Currently, she is researching deletions and mutations in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes in Plasmodium falciparum, which are vital for improving rapid diagnostic tests in Brazil ⚕️. Although early in her career, Beatriz has already formed international collaborations and contributed meaningfully to understanding malaria transmission patterns. Her experience reflects a blend of laboratory precision, scientific writing, data interpretation, and an evolving understanding of global parasitic diseases 🌎.

Awards and Honors 🏆

As a rising early-career researcher, Beatriz Pires da Silva is now entering the stage of her academic journey where formal recognitions are beginning to emerge 🌟. While she has not yet received major individual awards, her recent first-author publication and active research involvement at one of Brazil’s premier public health institutions (Fiocruz) are testaments to her growing impact 🧬. Her collaborations with leading global malaria experts such as Didier Menard and George Snounou are prestigious achievements that reflect her research potential. Beatriz’s current nomination for the Best Researcher Award stands as her first significant external recognition — highlighting her commitment to science, molecular innovation, and public health improvement. As her publication count grows and her research reaches broader audiences, she is poised to earn academic and scientific honors in the near future for her efforts in neglected tropical diseases and molecular parasitology 🏆.

Skills💡

Beatriz Pires da Silva brings a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular diagnostics 🧪. She is skilled in scientific literature review, data analysis, and academic writing, as demonstrated by her first-author publication in the area of zoonotic malaria 📖. Her analytical thinking, precision in lab work, and structured approach to scientific inquiries allow her to handle complex datasets and molecular evidence efficiently. Beatriz is also adept at collaborating across disciplines and engaging with international research teams 🤝. Her experience at CPD-Mal equipped her with practical knowledge in real-time diagnostics and laboratory routines for parasitic diseases. Additionally, she is developing competencies in bioinformatics and gene analysis tools, specifically in studying genetic deletions in Plasmodium falciparum. Bilingual communication (Portuguese and English) adds to her strengths, enabling global academic collaboration. She continues to expand her skill set to support research excellence and innovation 🌐.

Research Focus 🔬

Beatriz Pires da Silva’s research is centered on the molecular biology of malaria, with particular attention to zoonotic transmission and gene deletions affecting diagnostic tools 🔍. Her first major contribution involved a review of zoonotic malaria in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region, where she synthesized ecological, entomological, and molecular data to clarify underreported transmission pathways 🦟. This work addresses a gap in malaria control strategies and has implications for Brazil’s elimination goals. Currently, Beatriz is investigating deletions in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes of Plasmodium falciparum, which can impair the accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) — a key issue in malaria diagnosis and treatment 📊. Her research bridges molecular genetics, epidemiology, and diagnostic innovation, reflecting a multidisciplinary and impactful approach to parasitic disease management. With strong analytical skills and a commitment to applied science, Beatriz is contributing to more effective public health interventions through molecular-level insights 🧫.

Conclusion✅

Beatriz Pires da Silva, although at the beginning of her academic career, demonstrates remarkable promise, rigor, and a deep commitment to solving real-world challenges in malaria research. Her work already contributes to an underrepresented but vital domain — zoonotic malaria — and has implications for national health strategies. While not yet seasoned enough to compete with established senior researchers for the “Best Researcher Award,” she stands out as an exceptional candidate for an early-career or emerging researcher category. Her profile suggests a bright future marked by meaningful contributions to parasitology and global health.

Publications Top Notes📚

Publication Title: Autochthonous malaria in Brazil outside the Amazon: Emergence, zoonotic transmission and implications for disease control

Journal: One Health

Publication Date: December 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100928

Glory Adebayo | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Ms. Glory Adebayo | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria

Glory Pipeloluwa Adebayo is a dedicated biomedical researcher specializing in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and malaria drug discovery. She is currently a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), where she leads studies on Plasmodium falciparum resistance and antimalarial therapeutics. With extensive expertise in molecular diagnostics, immunology, and in vitro drug assays, she has contributed significantly to infectious disease research. Her work has resulted in multiple high-impact publications, and she has trained several young scientists in laboratory techniques. She has also participated in international research collaborations, including training at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. Her contributions to malaria research extend to both computational and laboratory-based studies, making her a prominent figure in the field. She aspires to develop innovative treatment strategies for infectious diseases through interdisciplinary research and technological advancements.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus

Education 🎓

Glory is a dedicated researcher with a strong academic background in biological sciences. She earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, with a commendable GPA of 4.08/5.00. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Cell Biology and Genetics at the same institution, graduating with a stellar GPA of 4.29/5.00. Currently, she is completing her Ph.D. in Biology at Covenant University, where her research is centered on antimalarial drug discovery. Her work integrates both computational and laboratory-based approaches to experimental drug development, positioning her at the forefront of innovative biomedical research. Beyond her academic achievements, Glory has gained valuable hands-on experience, including her service at the Abia State Hospital and Diagnostic Centre during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year. She has honed her expertise in molecular techniques, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical research, contributing to international collaborations, conference presentations, and high-impact scientific publications. With a passion for advancing global health through cutting-edge research, she remains committed to making significant contributions to drug discovery and disease treatment.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Glory’s dedication to research, international collaboration, and academic excellence in biomedical sciences is evident through her numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. In 2024, she was awarded a Research Fellowship at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), recognizing her contributions to malaria therapeutic efficacy studies and molecular diagnostics. Her commitment to global health research was further acknowledged in 2022 when she received the Swiss TPH Training Fellowship at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, where she honed her expertise in Plasmodium falciparum drug assays and mammalian cell culture techniques. Earlier in her career, Glory was recognized as the Best Graduate Research Intern at NIMR in 2019 for her outstanding work in molecular diagnosis and Plasmodium resistance studies. Her academic excellence was also celebrated at the University of Lagos, where she received the Academic Excellence Award in 2016. These accolades highlight her passion for scientific discovery, her ability to excel in competitive research environments, and her ongoing contributions to biomedical science and infectious disease research.

Work Experience💼

Glory’s research experience spans academia, public health institutions, and international research centers, showcasing her interdisciplinary expertise in infectious disease research. Currently serving as a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), she leads malaria therapeutic efficacy studies, molecular diagnostics, and ELISA-based immunological assessments. Prior to this, she worked as a Research Assistant at Covenant University’s Bioinformatics Research Unit, where she conducted Plasmodium and mammalian cell cultures, toxicity assays, and molecular docking analyses. Her commitment to advancing malaria research led her to the Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute in 2022, where she received specialized training in Plasmodium falciparum drug assays and mammalian cell culture techniques. She also gained hands-on experience as a Graduate Research Intern at NIMR in 2019, assisting in the molecular diagnosis of human blood samples and Plasmodium resistance studies. Beyond her research-focused roles, she worked as a Pharmacy Assistant at Crest Health Pharmacy in 2017, managing drug inventory and supporting pharmaceutical services. With a solid foundation in both laboratory and clinical research, Glory continues to contribute meaningfully to global infectious disease control efforts.

Skills💡

Glory possesses a diverse skill set that spans molecular biology, cell culture, immunology, bioinformatics, animal studies, lab management, and scientific writing. Her expertise in molecular biology includes DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular docking, enabling her to conduct precise genetic and protein-based analyses. She is also proficient in cell culture techniques, working with Plasmodium and mammalian cells to perform in vitro drug assays that contribute to antimalarial drug discovery. Her immunology experience includes ELISA-based assays and serological testing, crucial for evaluating immune responses in infectious disease research. In bioinformatics, she specializes in data mining, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, and omics data integration, allowing her to analyze large-scale biological data sets. Additionally, she has hands-on experience with murine malaria models, conducting toxicity assays and drug efficacy testing to validate therapeutic interventions. Beyond her technical skills, Glory is adept at lab management, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, maintaining accurate data records, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). She is also an accomplished scientific writer, with experience in manuscript preparation, grant writing, and proposal development, reinforcing her ability to contribute to high-impact research publications and secure funding for innovative projects.

Research Focus 🔬

Glory Adebayo is a dedicated researcher specializing in malaria research, with a focus on molecular drug discovery, Plasmodium resistance characterization, and bioinformatics applications. Her work integrates computational drug design, in vitro and in vivo antimalarial assays, and genetic analysis of resistant strains to advance the fight against malaria. She is particularly interested in post-GWAS (genome-wide association study) analysis, where she develops omics-based tools to study malaria epidemiology and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Beyond malaria research, Glory has contributed to studies on viral infections and antimicrobial resistance, expanding her impact within infectious disease research. Her interdisciplinary approach seamlessly combines wet-lab techniques with computational biology, enabling her to bridge experimental and computational methodologies. Through her research, she aims to develop effective therapeutics and innovative strategies to combat infectious diseases, ultimately improving global public health outcomes.

Publications Top Notes📚

 

Title: The Importance of Murine Models in Determining In Vivo Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy in Antimalarial Drug Discovery.​

Journal: Pharmaceuticals.​Preprints+1MDPI+1

Publication Date: March 2025.​

DOI: 10.3390/ph18030424.