🎓 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
Prof. Imed Messaoudi is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his prolific scientific output, leadership in research and education, and active role in international cooperation. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of environmental toxicology and animal physiology with strong societal relevance. With minor improvements in English proficiency and wider outreach, his already impressive profile would reach even greater heights. Overall, he exemplifies the qualities deserving recognition as a leading researcher.