Restricted: Scraping for FungAI

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Title

First Name

Last Name

Job Role

Sector

Institution

Country

Research Areas

Research interests

Biography

Alberto

Munoz

Centre Manager

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Medical mycology, project management

Alberto is the Research Centre Manager for the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. Alberto’s scientific background is in fungal cell biology. ln 2014, he moved into Research Project Management where he has project managed large EU funded projects as well as UKRI funded programmes, before joining the MRC CMM in September 2019.

Prior to this, Alberto carried out his PhD in the field of postharvest fungal infections and the development of new biotechnological methods for decay control based on synthetic rationally designed Antimicrobial Peptides, at the IATA-CSIC in Valencia, Spain. He then undertook his postdoctoral research at two leading UK laboratories in the field of mycology: the Fungal Cell Group at The University of Edinburgh and the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) at The University of Manchester, carrying out research in two different projects: the Wellcome Trust funded project ‘Calcium signalling and homeostasis in the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus to provide new targets for antifungal therapy’; and on his postdoctoral fellowship project ‘Live-cell imaging and mode-of-action of the next generation of small, synthetic antimicrobial peptides as novel antifungal therapeutics’.

Professor

Elaine

Bignell

Professor of Medical Mycology

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

My research seeks a mechanistic understanding of fungal disease with a view to developing novel diagnostics and antifungal therapies. My approach integrates infection models which transcend multiple experimental scales to address disease outcomes at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and whole animal levels. Over the past 5 years I have contributed to the development of multiple novel, quantitative technologies for measurement of fungal growth and drug responses measured in real time, along with confocal-assisted microfluidics approaches, these technologies have led to the identification of novel combination antifungal regimens that arrest the growth of MDR fungal pathogens . and outputs have been widely incorporated into educational materials used by industry in their interactions with clinicians. These solutions, developed with MRC funding for interdisciplinary functional genomics research into fungal virulence (MR/S001824, MR/Y002164) underpin national and international research teams that I currently lead, involving multiple industry partners, that are driving antifungal drug discovery (BBSRC BB/V017004/1) and innovative treatment regimens that minimise antifungal drug resistance (MRC Programme MR/M02010X).

I am Co-Director (Research) of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (CMM) that works to promote international partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations that tackle the global problem of antifungal drug resistance. I am the current President of the British Mycological Society that is devoted to supporting cutting edge research in fungal science the conservation and recording of ecology of fungal species in the natural environment (including genome information), as well as provision of educational resources for use at all ages and experience, with a commitment to supporting diversity and equality in all aspects of its work. I am the UK Director of the Centre for Medical Mycology LATAM Centre, based at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, that integrates with multiple Latin American Government and Academic Institutions and Funders to oversee the development of research capacity and medical mycology training across all Latin American countries and co-Lead of this Global AMR Innovation Fund FAILSAFE Programme that supports early-stage innovative research in underfunded areas of fungal AMR.

Professor

Gordon

Brown

Director – MRC Center for Medical Mycology

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Gordon Brown’s primary research interests are C-type lectin receptors and their role in homeostasis and immunity, with a particular focus on antifungal immunity.

Professor Gordon Brown is the Director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology and a Professor of Immunology at the University of Exeter. He is the founder and director of the CMM AFRICA Unit in Medical Mycology at the University of Cape Town, where he also holds an honorary professorship. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) since April 2020. Professor Brown is co-theme lead for Medical Mycology, within the Exeter BRC, and co-Director of the GAMRIF-funded FAILSAFE programme. Professor Brown’s primary research interests are C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) and their role in homeostasis and immunity, with a particular focus on antifungal immunity. His current research project on the contribution of Dectin-1 to tuberculosis susceptibility is supported by Medical Research Council (2022-2025). He has also been granted Wellcome Trust Investigator Award to study C-type lectins in antifungal immunity (2021-2026). Additionally, Professor Brown has secured significant funding for MRC Centre for Medical Mycology Renewal from the Medical Research Council and the University of Exeter (2021-2026).

Ph. D.

Carlos

Perez Arques

Postdoctoral Associate

Duke University

United States of America

My research interests focus on epigenetic -either chromatin or RNAi-based- gene regulation mechanisms that confer antifungal drug resistance and promote virulence in fungal pathogens. I am interested in understanding mucoralean biology through genetics and genomics approaches.

I graduated from the University of Murcia in Spain, studying RNAi-based gene regulation of essential biological processes in ancient fungi; especially, how the RNAi machinery of the early-diverging fungus Mucor circinelloides promotes virulence and host invasion. As a postdoctoral associate now at Duke University in the US, I aim to understand how RNAi-based antifungal resistances arise, which are the major RNAi components involved in generating them, and if there are other epigenetic marks associated with them.

Professor

A. Leonel

Mendoza

Professor

Michigan State University

United States

I have been involved with anomalous neglected fungal pathogens including Paracoccidioides ceti, Paracoccidioides lobogeorgii, Pythium insidiosum,
Rhinosporidium seebrii and Lagenidium species. In the process we solved the position of these pathogens in the tree of life.
https://directory.natsci.msu.edu/Directory/Profiles/Person/100042?org=26&group=73
https://bld.natsci.msu.edu/research/pythium-insidiosum/index.aspx

I have been working for the last 40 years on a new concept of treating Th2 infections with Pythium insidiosum immunoregulatory antigens. Early in my career we found that these antigens possess strong immune regulatory antigens downregulating Th2 responses and upregulatin Th1 curative immune responses resulting in cure of the infection. We have successfully used this approach in thousands of horses and dogs with pythiosis, in more than 100 human cases in Thailand and in at least six pythiosis human cases in in the USA. Testing these immunotherapeutic antigens with other pathogens (Leishmania) we found that the antigens down regulate the Th2 response in place during experimental infection and upregulated a strong Th1 response resulting in the elimination of Leismania cells from the infected tissues. Our hypothesis is that a similar approach can be used with fungal infections with a Th2. In addition, I adopted fungal and fungal-like orphan pathogens (Rhinosporidium seeberi, Paracoccidioides ceti, Paracoccidioides lobogergii, Pythium isindiosum), in the process we redefined the way we diagnose, treat, and approach these neglected pathogens.

Ebenezer

Sikon

Health laboratory scientist

Tanzania

I have been actively involved in operational research and published an article addressing the critical issue of sexual violence against women seeking HIV services in the selected health facility in western Uganda. This experience has fueled my commitment to making a difference in the field of infectious diseases particularly HIV/AIDS.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Mbarara University, Uganda.
– Training:
1. Completed a 1-year training program focused on HIV/AIDS testing, care, and treatment.
2. Obtained a certificate in Good Clinical Laboratory Science.
Practical Experience: Gained practical experience during studies at an HIV/AIDS clinic for nearly a year, enhancing proficiency in HIV care, treatment, and testing.
– Publication: Co-authored a publication on "Sexual Violence Among Women Seeking HIV Services in Selected Health Facilities in Western Uganda," showcasing research and academic contribution in the field.
– Internship: Completed a one-year internship at Muhimbili National Hospital Mloganzila, acquiring valuable experience in laboratory medicine.
– This combination of academic achievement, specialized training, practical experience, and research involvement demonstrates a well-rounded foundation in medical laboratory science, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS care and treatment.

Mr.

Ajay Kumar

Chaurasiya

PhD Scholar

Tribhuvan University Kathmandu

Nepal

Clinical Fungi, Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST), Cancer patients, Antifungal Resistance, Mechanism of Antifungal Resistance

I have worked for more than a decade in the field of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. My Bachelor's Degree in Laboratory Technology (BSc MLT), and Master in Clinical Microbiology (MSc CM). Now I am PhD scholar. My interest in the field of fungal infections in cancer patients and related antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) of those fungal etiological agents and the mechanism of antifungal resistance.
Switching towards Clinical Mycology because of public demand and having faced numerous cases those fungal diagnoses did not occur due to lacking of proper Clinical Fungal Laboratory and fungal infection awareness and its importance. Fungi are emerging pathogens but there is no Advanced Mycology Diagnostic & Research Center in the whole nation. There is also no budget and no talk in the Annual Health Report 2079/80 of the Department of Health Services, Government of Nepal. My nation is a low- and middle-income country with having estimated fungal prevalence rate that is
1.87% (Khwakhali & Denning, 2015), the highest proportion of fungal keratitis (FK) among MK cases globally (Hoffman et al., 2022), and the prevalence of fungal infections among patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is 21.9% (Chaurasiya et al., 2022).

Dr.

Bing

Zhai

principal investigator

Shenzhen University

China

Fungi are commonly found at different sites of human body and play important roles in many physiological or disease processes. However, these normally commensal organisms sometimes could cause severe topical or systemic infections. The research in my lab focuses on the dynamics of the fungal compartment in the microbiome, i.e., the mycobiome, and the interactions between fungi and bacteria at human mucosal surfaces. We also study the microevolution of fungal organisms during colonization, especially when the host is under long-term administration of antifungal drugs. Through these efforts, we aim to dissect the mechanisms underlying the switch between commensal and pathogenic states of human-associated fungi, facilitating precision control of fungal infections and other fungal-related diseases.

Our web page: https://zhailabs.wordpress.com/

Dr. Bing Zhai received PhD degree from Texas A&M University, where she investigated the link between filamentation and virulence in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans and employed drug repositioning strategy to identify sertraline as a potential novel anti-cryptococcal drug. She then moved to New York City for postdoctoral training on antifungal immunity and human mycobiome at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Zhai started her research lab as a principal investigator at Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in July 2021.

Doctor

Maria Isabel

Navarro Mendoza

Assistant Professor

Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche

Spain

Antifungal use, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

My research interest is to understand how pathogenic fungi sense the environment and the host, focusing on which genetic regulation mechanisms are responsible for virulent processes and antifungal drug resistance. I started working with the early-diverging fungus Mucor circinelloides as a Biology undergraduate student, and I specialized in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. During my Ph.D. at the University of Murcia, I focused on the identification of new virulence factors in Mucorales and the characterization of the centromeric chromatin regulated by RNAi in these fungi. At the Heitman lab, I am studying antifungal drug resistances controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, including, epimutation via RNAi, transposable elements, and chromatin remodeling in human fungal pathogens. Our goal is to analyze the impact of epimutation on antimicrobial drug resistance and pathogenicity, focusing on the host-pathogen interaction.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3560-6155
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=oPFWZoMAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

My research aims to understand how pathogenic fungi sense their environment and hosts, focusing on the genetic regulation mechanisms responsible for virulence and antifungal drug resistance. I began working with the early-diverging fungus Mucor circinelloides as an undergraduate student in Biology, later specializing in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. During my Ph.D. at the University of Murcia in Spain, I focused on identifying new virulence factors in Mucorales and characterizing the centromeric chromatin regulated by RNAi in these fungi. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher in the Heitman lab at Duke University, I am investigating antifungal drug resistances controlled by epigenetic mechanisms, including RNAi-driven epimutation, transposable elements, and chromatin remodeling in human fungal pathogens. My goal is to analyze the impact of epimutation on antimicrobial drug resistance and pathogenicity, focusing on host-pathogen interactions.

Dr.

A. Pedro

Gonçalves

Principal scientist

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Finland

My research strives to understand thought-provoking aspects of biology using fungi as genetic models. I try to link phenotypes to their genetic and evolutionary foundations. More specifically, I have been interested in the following topics:

Harnessing natural genetic diversity to tackle antifungal drug resistance
Social behaviors, cooperation and conflicts in fungi
Fungi as microbial cell factories

https://www.linkedin.com/in/apgoncalves/
https://www.goncalves-lab.com/

I received a PhD in Molecular Pathology and Genetics from the University of Porto, Portugal, in 2014, and subsequently trained as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley (USA, between 2015-2018) and Academia Sinica (Taiwan, between 2019-2020). I then joined the College of Medicine of the National Cheng Kung University, where I worked as a visiting assistant professor on a principal investigator role (Taiwan, between 2021-2023). I have recently (2024) started as a principal scientist at VTT – Technical Research Centre of Finland, in the Industrial Biotechnology and Food division. My research interests concentrate on the exploration of fungal biodiversity, primarily at the interface of biology, genetics and evolution of filamentous fungi. I have been involved in various outreach activities, namely as a member of The Millet Project, an initiative devoted to agricultural sustainability and diet diversification. I have also served as a scientific consultant for the biotechnology industry.

Professor

Thomas

Harrison

Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine, Professor of Medical Mycology

University of Exeter

Cryptococcal meningitis, Advanced HIV disease, Opportunistic infections, Tuberculosis, Candidiasis, Aspergillosis, Host directed therapies
Clinical trials and implementation and translation to practice – including health economics and qualitative research

orcid:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3619-4348

Yasemin Didem

Aktas

Assoc Prof in Applied Materials and Structures

University College London, University of London

Indoor microbiome, mould measurement, benchmarking, guidance and policy

I am a UCL academic and the deputy academic director of the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings (UKCMB). My research encompasses climate induced hazards, moisture risk and indoor fungal growth, where I work with other researchers from different domains as well as other stakeholders such as home owners, social housing associations and microbiology and water remediation industry. I am particularly interested in using fungal testing for building fabric diagnosis, and in developing guidance on benchmarking fungal levels. I am currently the UK PI of the Anirniq project: https://www.cinuk.org/projects/anirniq/, leading on the housing investigations.

Professor

Maiwenn

KERSAUDY-KERHOAS

Group and Institute leader

Heriot-Watt University

United Kingdom

I am a Professor of Microfluidic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University. With global partners (UK, Japan, Malawi, Uganda) we have developed an under 6h workflow to identify pathogens from a simple blood draw. Our simple workflow, iSEP-SEQ combined microfluidic extraction of cfDNa followed by 2h Nanopore sequencing, can be deployed in decentralised settings and is agnostic to the organism. We can detect any present in the classic Pathogen Databases. We can detect AMR as well.
We have extracted 400 human samples demonstrating equivalence with the gold standard bench extraction, and we have deployed the full workflow on two small cohorts of 10 patients each (one from Malawi, one from Germany). We need funding to pursue our clinical proof-of-concept. We'd welcome collaborations from biostatisticians and sequencing specialists in particular, to help us progress towards quantitative PPV, NPV. We'd also like to test blood samples from patients with known fungal infections.

MaÃ¯wenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas is a Professor of Microfluidic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. She is the academic lead of the Global Research Institute of Health and Care Technologies and leads her own multi-disciplinary research group of biologists and engineers. Her work has focused on the development of robust, reproducible and affordable prototyping methods for point-of-care diagnostics. She has developed several pre-analytical tools for liquid biopsies applications with clinicians, including blood plasma separation devices, cell-free DNA extraction cartridges and a finger-actuated blood processing device. In 2013, she received a five-year Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship and in 2018 a 5-year Healthcare Technology Challenge Award from the UK Engineering and Physical Science Council. In 2019, she was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering â€˜Frontiers of Developmentâ€™ and Global Challenge Research Fund seed funding to develop an advanced sepsis diagnostic tool via cell-free microbial nucleic sequencing with international clinical partners. She is a recipient of the 2023 Royal Academy of Engineering Frontiers Champion award, which she has used to create the Global Frugal Diagnostic network, a grass-roots group of 200 members from 27 different countries, championing local R&D development in the area of diagnostics.

Seána

Duggan

Early Career Research Fellow

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/?web_id=seannaduggan

Jane

Usher

Discovery Fellow

University of Exeter

https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Jane_Usher

Research interests: Antifungal drug resistance, impact of clinical and agricultural antimicrobials on the emergence of drug resistance. Using omics approaches to determine novel drug targets

https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Jane_Usher

Professor

Campbell

Gourlay

Professor of Cell Biology

University of Kent at Canterbury

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Industry engagement, Working with industry

Prof Gourlay has established solid foundations within the East Kent Hospital University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) and works within a multi-disciplinary team to tackle fungal colonisation of medical devices, including voice prostheses and tracheostomy tubing. These studies have led to the implementation of fully ratified NHS treatment guidelines for the management of fungal growth on voice prosthesis and have been adopted throughout the UK as well as being implemented overseas. https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences/people/1095/gourlay-campbell

Current research interests include:
Roles for the actin cytoskeleton in regulating stress response mechanisms
Using yeast to understand the development of multi-drug resistance
The role of mitochondrial function in the pathogenicity of pathogenic yeasts
The detection and management of biofilms on airway management devices
The multi-drug resistance properties of biofilms
Using biofilms as biocontrols to counter drug resistant plant fungal pathogens

Campbell Gourlay is a Professor of Cell Biology and Director of Research in the School of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, UK. He is also a founding member of the Kent Fungal Group, a large assembly of fungal research groups based at the University of Kent. He established his own research group with the aid of a Medical Research Council Career Development Fellowship in 2006.
Current research interests focus on the roles of mitochondria in pathogenic yeasts, the development of fungal specific mitochondrial inhibitors and roles that biofilms play in human disease and their use as agricultural bio-controls.
Prof Gourlay is an honorary researcher within the East Kent Hospital University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) and works within multi-disciplinary teams to tackle fungal colonisation of medical devices, including voice prostheses and tracheostomy tubing. These studies have led to the implementation of fully ratified NHS treatment guidelines for the management of fungal growth on voice prosthesis and have been adopted throughout the UK as well as being implemented overseas.

Le Duc Anh

Anh

Le Duc

Master of Microbiology

Viet Anh Scientific Company Limited

Vietnam

Research on microbiology, especially on pathogenic fungal, includes areas such as diagnostic methods, antifungal drug resistance and identification of drug resistance genes.

Master of Science in Microbiology. I have experience in the study of fungal pathogens, including diagnostic methods and antifungal drug resistance.

Tram

Nguyen Thi Thu

Lecturer

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

Chromatography, extraction, natural product isolation, structure elucidation, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3339-1338

Dr. NGUYEN Thi Thu Tram is Dean of Faculty of Basic Sciences since 2021 and also Head of Department of Chemistry since 2018. She received her Bachelor of Chemistry Education at Can Tho University, Vietnam in 2004. After having completed her Master of Science in Organic Chemistry at University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in 2009, she obtained Ph.D. in 2015 at University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Dr. NGUYEN Thi Thu Tram is an expert researcher in the field of organic chemistry especially in natural products and medicinal chemistry. She focuses her study on natural sources to discover of new agents with interesting biological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, photoprotective. She also develops novel synthetic methods for the construction of bioactive heterocyclic compounds.
She is a member of Party Committee; Science and Training Council of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy; Vietnam Association of Natural Products Sciences.

María Luján

Cuestas

Researcher

Universidad de Buenos Aires

Argentina

Medical and Veterinarian mycology, diagnosis, antifungal resistance, epidemiology

PhD

Marcelo Anibal

Carmona

Professor

Universidad de Buenos Aires

Argentina

I am a plant pathologist specially dedicated to barley, wheat, corn and soybean crops. My experience is related to integrated disease management, crop rotation, epidemiology, disease prediction, seed pathology, and application of fungicides using economic damage threshold. I have a strong background working in field surveys, diagnosis of diseases, and in the chemical control trials. My current research focuses on determining the sensitivity and resistance of various fungi to fungicides, as well as on studies involving chemical and biological control, inducers of plant defence, and the use of microbial and plant metabolites for the biocontrol of fungal pathogens and integrated disease management. Link to profile page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marcelo-Carmona

I am Marcelo Carmona, and I hold a PhD in Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, a Master's in Plant Production, and a degree in Agronomical Engineering. As an expert in Phytopathology, I specialize in the management and integrated disease control of extensive crops. Currently, I serve as the Chair of the Department of Phytopathology at the University of Buenos Aires, Faculty of Agronomy. In my career, I have collaborated with researchers from Brazil, the USA, Italy, Australia, and Spain on several important projects. My current research focuses on determining the sensitivity and resistance of various fungi to fungicides, as well as on studies involving chemical and biological control, inducers of plant defence, and the use of microbial and plant metabolites for the biocontrol of fungal pathogens and integrated disease management. With nearly two decades of experience, I have contributed extensively to the field through numerous national and international scientific publications. I have authored numerous manuals, books, and chapters on phytopathology and integrated management. Additionally, I have produced a significant body of extension work, with more than 100 pieces published. I am also an advisor for many postgraduate theses in plant pathology, guiding the next generation of scientists in developing innovative solutions for agricultural challenges.

Professor

Jennifer

Geddes-McAlister

Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair

University of Guelph

Canada

My research program applies a One Health approach to investigate fungal diseases and mechanisms of antifungal resistance in agricultural and medical contexts for improved global food safety and security, as well as health. We are interested in characterizing novel regulators of fungal pathogenesis, co-infection dynamics, and mechanisms of antifungal resistance from a systems biology perspective through mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics. Specifically, research in the lab centres around the following areas:
i) Differential patterns of pathogenic regulation between microbial species;
ii) Systems biology to elucidate microbial proteome dynamics and interactions;
iii) Mechanistic characterization of pathogenic proteins;
iv) Mass spectrometry-based proteomics for drug discovery and repurposing; and
v) Reversing antifungal resistance.
Our long-term goals aim to enhance our fundamental understanding of fungal biology and pathogenesis from a systems level for the discovery of novel strategies to combat fungal disease on a global scale.

Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister is a Canada Research Chair in the Proteomics of Fungal Disease in One Health and an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. Her lab applies mass spectrometry-based proteomics to investigate host-pathogen interactions with a focus on One Health approaches to overcoming fungal disease. She has won five early career researcher awards in recognition of her scientific contributions since beginning her lab in 2018 and an alumni achievement award from the University of Lethbridge. Dr. Geddes-McAlister is President of the Canadian National Proteomics Network, Director of the Bioinformatics Graduate Programs at the University of Guelph, co-founder of the Canadian Proteomics and Artificial Intelligence Consortium, and founder of â€˜Moms in Proteomicsâ€™ an initiative dedicated to recognizing and supporting mothers in STEM.

PhD

María Cecilia

Perez-Piza

Teacher and Researcher

Universidad de Buenos Aires

Argentina

Phytopathology, Integrated Pest Management, Crop Protection, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Enzymes, Seed Technology, Plant Disease, Plant Disease Diagnosis, Mycotoxins, Food Microbiology. Link to profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Perez-Piza-2

I am MarÃa Cecilia Perez-Piza, and I hold a PhD in Agricultural Sciences along with a degree in Agronomical Engineering. Currently, I serve as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Phytopathology at the University of Buenos Aires, Faculty of Agronomy, and as an Assistant Researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council. As an emerging expert in Phytopathology, my specialization includes seed pathology and integrated disease management of extensive crops. My research also focuses on mycotoxins that contaminate raw materials from extensive cropping systems, such as maize grains, where I aim to develop optimal crop management strategies to ensure food safety. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with international research groups from Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, enhancing my expertise and global perspective. Currently, I am engaged in research examining the sensitivity and resistance of various fungi to fungicides, and in studies on chemical and biological control, inducers of plant defence, and the use of microbial and plant metabolites for the biocontrol of fungal pathogens and integrated disease management. Simultaneously, I continue my work in seed pathology, focusing on managing contamination of seeds by mycotoxigenic fungi.

Biologist, Dr. Natural Sciences

Rafael

Lajmanovich

Researcher

Universidad Nacional del Litoral CONICET

Argentina

SPECIALTY and AREAS OF INTEREST: Ecology – Ecotoxicology – Ecosystems
Continental Aquatics – Diversity Management and Conservation. – Evaluation of the impact of
agrochemicals on wildlife.- Socio-environmental health and extractivism.-

http://anfibios-ecotox-conser.blogspot.com.ar/

Director of the Ecotixicology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences of the UNL with more than 30 years of experience in studies on environmental impacts (especially agrochemicals) on wildlife, ecosystems and human health in Argentina

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rafael-Lajmanovich/research

PhD

Francisco Jose

Sautua

Professor

Universidad de Buenos Aires

Argentina

Phytopathology, Sustainable Agriculture, Organic Farming, Pathogens, Fungal Biology, Integrated Disease Management, Chemical control, Fugal Resistance to Fungicides. Link to profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francisco-Sautua

I am Francisco Sautua, and I hold a PhD in Plant Pathology, and a degree in Agronomical Engineering. As an expert in Phytopathology, I specialize in the management and integrated disease control of extensive crops. Currently, I serve as a Professor and researcher at the Department of Phytopathology, University of Buenos Aires, Faculty of Agronomy. In my career, I collaborated with researchers from Brazil, the USA, Italy, Australia, and Spain on several important projects. My current research focuses on determining the sensitivity and resistance of various fungi to fungicides, as well as on studies involving chemical and biological control, inducers of plant defence, and the use of microbial and plant metabolites for the biocontrol of fungal pathogens and integrated disease management. I am also an advisor for many postgraduate theses in plant pathology.

Professor

Rajendra

Prasad

Director,Dean Research

Amity University

India

I am a well-known scientist of repute with ample administrative and science management experience, which includes 50 years of research experience, supervising more than 70 PhD thesis, publishing more than 300 international papers and handled 60 National (DST, DBT, ICMR) and International Grants (European Commission, VW Foundation, DFG, Germany, Indo-Swiss, Indo-Polish, Indo-Russia). Had extensive international collaboration includes continuing academic link with USA, UK, Germany, Poland, Spain, Switzerland,UK, France, Belgium, and New Zealand. I am molecular mycologist and has done trend setting research in antifungal clinical drug resistance in fungi. The whole gamut of antifungal research has since changed to include my new discoveries pertaining to efflux pump (CDR1) recognized around the world.

I am presently working a Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Director of Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health (AIISH) and Institute of Biotechnology (AIB),Amity University Haryana, Haryana has been a Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi where I worked and served JNU for 40 years in various capacities. I have been visiting Professors in several universities and institutes which included visiting faculty at Ecole Normale Superieure â€“ CNRS Paris, France; Catholic University, Louvain-la â€“ Neuve, Belgium; Technical University, Valencia, Spain; Bristol Mayer Squib, Princeton, USA; University of Bonn, Germany; New York Medical College, USA and Aberdeen University, Aberdeen. I am a recipient of a Royal Society Commonwealth Bursary, Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung Fellowship, Wellcome Foundation Fellowship, Mercator Professorships.I am an elected fellow of all three Indian Science Academies, and served three years as Vice President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

Alex

Shaw

Research Fellow

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

Genomic surveillance of pathogens for public health; primarily poliovirus and enteroviruses from stool, and bacteria and viruses from wastewater. I recently received a grant from the BMGF for multi pathogen surveillance in wastewater and am hoping to develop methods for the the detection of fungi.
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/a.shaw

Alex is a Research Fellow whose work focuses on the detection of viruses and bacteria from stool and environmental samples. He works within the Vaccine Epidemiology Research Group (VERG) in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. The primary goal of his work is the detection and typing of human pathogens through next generation sequencing to rapidly provide data to inform public health responses. Alex is optimising these methods for the cost-effective detection of multiple viral and bacterial pathogens from wastewater, with the work supported by a Bill and Melinda Gate's Foundation grant. Field trials of these methods in collaboration with LMIC partners are ongoing, and Alex is aiming to develop methods for integrating the detection of fungi into the current pipeline.

His previous work has focused on the microbiota of infants, studying the correlation between the development of the gut microbiota and cases of necrotising enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis. This work was conducted as part of the Neonatal Microbiota study (NeoM), an ecological study of the microbiota of premature infants.

Professor

Matthew

Fisher

Head of Dpt

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

Fungal epidemiology, emerging fungal infections, One Health

Prof Matthew Fisher works on emerging pathogenic fungi and heads a research group in the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis in the Imperial College London School of Public Health. His research group is focused on developing genomic, epidemiological, and experimental models to uncover the factors driving fungal infections in order to develop new methods of diagnosis and control. He leads NERC and Wellcome Trust program award investigating the emergence of antifungal resistance in the pulmonary pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and has interests in changing human exposure to bioaerosols

Sandip

Das Sanyam

Research project lead

Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan

Nepal

Ocular infections, Pathogenesis, disease control, disease progression, drug resistance, bio marker, innovation and development, accessible and affordable care, RCT, qualitative research.

Sandip Das Sanyam is a senior optometrist and researcher, pursuing a PhD in Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Topical Medicine, UK. He is based in Nepal, at the Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, NNJS. He leads a corneal infection research team in Nepal. He has been managing randomised controlled trials for five years in Nepal, with a focus on reducing the burden of microbial keratitis by testing new drug formulations or complex intervention methods. Apart from this, he has been trained to use and interpret in-vivo confocal microscope findings, especially fungal keratitis. His core areas of research are infectious eye diseases, visual impairment, improving practice, quality of life assessment, community-based intervention, and awareness, including qualitative methods.

He has been involved in various infection control groups and research on mitigating the effects of infectious diseases. He led a study that studied the holistic methods of controlling ocular infection by traditional healers, highlighting the iceberg of challenges in the wider community in LMICs.

He is interested in the growing threat of AMR globally and is keen to support national and international databases with his work in laboratory and clinical practice for a healthy community with improved quality of life. His other interests include disease physiology, noble biomarkers, microbiome, drug trials, and technological developments.

He is actively involved in teaching and training the health task force at the primary level, especially in terms of early diagnosis and rapid referral through ongoing community trials and other studies related to eye & vision.

The use of AI in medicine is exponentially growing, and fortunately, he received a scholarship to undertake a PhD to study the use of AI in the diagnosis of microbial keratitis. Having AI to diagnose microbial keratitis at the community level and its rapid management is expected to reduce the level of blindness caused by trauma due to vegetative matter in LMICs.

Professor

Matthew

Burton

Director, International Centre for Eye Health

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

Professor Matthew Burton is the Director of the International Centre for Eye Health and Professor of Global Eye Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) is an interdisciplinary group of more than fifty research clinicians, public health specialists, epidemiologists, laboratory scientists and research assistants. The ICEH team collaborate closely with academic, Ministry of Health and NGO partners from around the world, working to improve eye health in low and middle-income countries.

Prof. Burtonâ€™s main research focus is ocular infection (trachoma and corneal infection). Corneal infection or microbial keratitis is a relatively common and devastating problem in tropical regions, where fungal pathogens account for >50%. Our research in Uganda, Tanzania, Nepal and India is investigating the epidemiology, microbiology, susceptibility patterns and pathophysiology of severe corneal infections, particularly those caused by fungi. We are developing and evaluating diagnostic tools and conducting a series of clinical intervention trials.

Matthew Burton: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/aboutus/people/burton.matthew
Intenrational Centre for Eye Health: https://iceh.lshtm.ac.uk/

Astrid

Leck

Assistant Professor

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

United Kingdom

https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/aboutus/people/leck.astrid
https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrid-leck-4a540083/?originalSubdomain=uk

I am a microbiologist, who specialised in mycology, with a twenty-year commitment to improving the diagnosis of infectious diseases of the eye in resource-poor settings. My research focuses on the prevention of blindness specifically identification of fungal pathogens, diagnosis of fungal eye infections and public health approaches to ocular infections. I have been involved in multi-centre research project collaborations: epidemiological studies and RCTs in LMICs and setting up diagnostic microbiology laboratories from scratch. I am also passionate about delivering high-quality education through the application and strategic use of open and online learning platforms in addition to in-person teaching, to build capacity in global public health education and mycology.

Doctor

Simon

Arunga

Ophthalmologist

Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Uganda

I am an ophthalmologist research academic with a 10 year research background in Microbial Keratitis in Uganda spanning across formative qualitative work to RCTs. Working with the cornea research group at the International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, I currently lead a research team in Uganda running two RCTs one being hospital based on fungal keratitis therapeutics and another being a community based interventional package against severe microbial keratitis in two rural districts in Uganda. My group is also testing an array of point of care diagnostic tests for fungal keratitis in a primary health setting in Uganda.

Links:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1049-3086
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8JIT4LQAAAAJ&hl=en

I am a Ugandan based Ophthalmologist, senior lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda and Hon. Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. I work in a busy eye hospital in Southwestern Uganda and hold several research grants from the Wellcome Trust, National Institute for Health (NIH, USA), Velux stiftung and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). The bulk of my research portfolio has been on fungal Keratitis in Uganda.

Johanna

Rhodes

Researcher

Imperial College London

the Netherlands

Homepage: https://drjorhodes.wordpress.com
Imperial College staff page, with link to ORCiD: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/johanna.rhodes

I am interested in the genomic epidemiology and population genomics of emerging fungal pathogens, and how they evolve antifungal drug resistance. I use One Health approaches to address these themes, as well as creating tools for community use.

Our world is more interconnected than ever before. It stands to reason, then, that our health is connected to our food, the changing climate and our environment, including the places we go and the animals who share this environment with us. My group uses a One Health approach to balance and optimise the health of humans, animals and the environment through the use of â€™omics technologies, diagnostics and surveillance tool generation. My research has high public outreach, and has been featured in National Geographic, BBC, CBS News, The New York Times, and the Daily Mail.

Medical doctor

Affoue Sandrine

Kouakou

Researcher at the beginning of his career/Biology specialisation Parasitology-Mycology option.

Other/institution not listed

Côte d’Ivoire

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Virulence factors

1- Epidemiology of invasive candidiasis and antifungal sensitivity of isolates to locally available molecules.
2- Cryptococcose
3- Aspergillose
4- Histoplasmose
5-Surveillance de la resistance antifongique
6- Interactions hôte-pathogène

Dr. Kouakou’s a medical biologist (Parasitology-Mycology: Bouake University Hospital).
Assistant chief at the Medical school of Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké (Parasitology-Mycology).

Josie

Parker

Lecturer

Cardiff University

I am interested in mechanisms of antifungal resistance in a range of fungal pathogens.
In particular I study the mechanism of resistance (including novel non-CYP51 mediated mechanisms) by analysing the effect of resistance associated mutations on the sterol biosynthesis pathway of the organism. Several non-CYP51 resistance associated mutations have recently been uncovered and are leading to a better understanding of the mechanisms of antifungal action and resistance – particularly in Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor.

https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/parkerj21

I studied for my Genetics undergraduate degree at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and went on to complete a PhD on microbial cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). During my time as a postdoctoral researcher at Swansea University I worked on a variety of projects involving the structure and function of cytochrome P450s and antifungal resistance in both medical and agricultural disease.
I moved to Cardiff University as a Lecturer in July 2022. My research continues to focus on cytochrome P450s and antifungal resistance. I study drug targets and associated enzymes in sterol biosynthesis in fungi to understand the mechanisms of drug resistance and investigate novel antifungal compounds for the treatment of drug-resistant infections.

Matias

Pasquali

Professor of Plant Pathology

University of Milan

Italy

Plant Pathologist interested in fungicide resistance in trans-kingdom pathogens. Research focused on mechanisms of infection and resistance in Fusarium species infecting plants and humans.

Helen

Brown

Lecturer in Microbiology

Cardiff University

United Kingdom

My research interest is biofilm formation as a resistance and pathogenicity mechanism. My current research focuses on understanding the host-microbial and microbial-microbial interactions which drive chronic infections. I currently have several research themes ongoing, all linked to the diseases caused by members of the microbiome:
1) Using postbiotics and probiotics to module wound biofilm communities.
2) Development of in vitro mixed community biofilm models reflective of those found in chronic wounds.
3) Cutibacterium acnes colonisation and infection of deep tissue sites (bone, prostate) and the microbial-host and microbial-microbial interactions driving its persistence.
I focus predominantly on opportunistic pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans which are often part of the local environmental or host microbial communities.
Keywords: chronic wound infections, skin microbiome, opportunistic pathogens, wound microbiome
Link to university profile: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/brownh19

I am a Lecturer in Microbiology. My research interest is biofilm formation as a resistance and pathogenicity mechanism. My current research focuses on interactions between fibroblasts and opportunistic pathogens within chronic wound infections. Bacteria, yeast and fungi contaminate and form biofilms within wounds early in the healing process and while we know the majority of wounds contain biofilms, only a subsection of these communities go on to cause symptomatic infections. I hope to understand how host-microbial and microbial-microbial interactions are able to influence wound healing and the opportunity for symptomatic infections to form. I focus predominantly on opportunistic pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, which are often part of the local environmental or host microbial communities, but in the right conditions are able to cause infections. Prior to starting my PhD, I worked for six years in the pharmaceutical industry, using mammalian cell-based assays to assess drug biological safety and potency.

Dr.

Christine

Bii

Chief Research Scientist and Deputy Director

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Kenya

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS: (Dr. Christine Bii)
1. Abdi Mohamed, Benear A. Obanda, Hannah K. Njeri, Sally N. Loroyokie, Olga M. Mashedi, Tom T. Ouko, Evangeline M. Gatumwa, Richard K. Korir, Takashi Yaguchi, and Christine C. Bii. Serological evidence of chronic pulmonary Aspergillosis in tuberculosis patients in Kenya. BMC Infectious Diseases (2022) 22:798 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-022-07782-9
2. Koskei Peter, Karanja Simon, Mashedi Olga, Tetsuhiro Matsuzawa, Tohru Gonoi,
Takashi Yaguchi & Bii Christine. Isolation and Characterization of Fusarium Species
and Fumonisins Contamination in Maize from Lower Eastern and Rift Valley Regions of
Kenya. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, July, 2020, Vol 6, No. 1
3. CC Bii, Kose J, Taguchi H, Amukoye E, Ouko TT, Muita LC, Mugasia O, Wamae N,
Kamiya S. Pneumocystis jirovecii and microbiological findings in children with severe
pneumonia in Nairobi, Kenya. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2006: 10(11):1-6
4. Bii C, Korir K. R., Rugut J., and Mutai C. (2010). The potential use of Prunus africana
for the control, treatment and management of common fungal and bacterial infections.
Journal of medicinal plants research, Vol. 4(11), pp. 995-998. DOI:
10.5897/JMPR09.227, ISSN 1996-0875.
5. Bii CC, Makimura K, Abe S, Taguchi H, Mugasia OM, Revathi G, Wamae CN, Kamiya
S. Serotypes and azole resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans MATÎ± from clinical
sources in Nairobi Kenya. Mycoses. 2006; 450:25-30.
6. C.C Bii, H. Yamaguchi, M. Kai, K. Nakai, Y.Sugiura, H. Taguchi, JM Chakaya, GG.
Mbugua and S. Kamiya (2002). Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children with pneumonia at
Mbagathi District Hospital, Nairobi. East African Medical Journal. 79(6): 317-320.
7. C.C. Bii, T.T. Ouko, E. Amukoye, and L.W. Githinji (2002). Antifungal drug
susceptibility of Candida albicans. East African Medical Journal. 79(3): 143-145.
8. Bii, C., Mutai, C., Ondicho, J., Korir, R., and Rukunga, G. Antimicrobial activity of some
plants used in Kenya for management of infectious diseases. East African Journal of
Botany. 2008. 1(2):64-173.
9. C.C. Bii, G.M. Siboe and R.K. Mibey (2000). Plant essential oils with promising
antifungal activity. East Africa Medical Journal. 77: 319-322.
10. C.C. Bii, Taguchi H, Ouko TT, Muita LW, Wamae N, Kamiya S. (2005). Detection of
virulence related genes by multiplex PCR in multidrug-resistant diarrhoeagenic
Escherichia coli isolates from Kenya and Japan. Epidermiology and Infection.
133(4):627-33.
11. Bii, C., Mutai, C., Ondicho, J., Korir, R., and Rukunga, G. Antimicrobial activity of some
plants used in Kenya for management of infectious diseases. East African Journal of
Botany. 2008. 1(2):64-173.
12. Bii F, Wanyoike W, Nyende AB, Gituru RW, Bii C. Fumonisins contamination of maize
(Zea mays) in aflatoxin hot zones in Eastern Province of Kenya. Afr J Health Sci. 2012;
20:28-36.
13. Frida M. Njeru, Perpetual Ndungu, Christine Bii. Characterization and Antimicrobial
Susceptibility of Actinomycetes from TB Smear Negative and Retreatment Patients in
Nairobi, Kenya. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 2019, 7, 1-12
http://www.scirp.org/journal/jbm
14. Langat, G., Tetsuhiro, M., Gonoi, T., Matiru, V. and Bii, C. (2016) Aflatoxin M1
Contamination of Milk and Its Products in Bomet County, Kenya. Advances in
Microbiology, 6, 528-536. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/aim.2016.67053.
15. Purity Kaaria, Joseph Wakibia, Viviene Matiru1, Mary Ndungâ€™u, Christine Bii. Journal
of Applied & Environmental Microbiology, 2015, Vol. 3, No. 3, 70-74.
http://pubs.sciepub.com/jaem/3/3/2 Â© Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/jaem-3-3-2.
16. Peter Ogoti, Esther Magiri, Gabriel Magoma, Daniel Kariuki, Christine Bii. Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research. Vol 9(8). Pp254-261 Doi:10.5897/JMPR 2014.5497.
17. Edinah Ongaga, Viviene Matiru, Wanjiru Wanyoike, Christine Bii. Genotypes of
Candida albicans from stool samples of HIV sero positive and HIV negative individuals
in Nairobi, Kenya. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, ISSN (Paper) 2224-
3208 ISSN (Online) 2225-093X.
18. Elizabeth Mitaki, Vivian Matiru, Revathi Gunturu, Christine Bii. Unexpected high
prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus infections in patients with mycetoma. Indian
Journal of Research. Vol: 4/issue 7(7) 2015. ISSN-2250-1991.
19. Mourine Kangogo, Oliver Bader, Hamadi Boga, Wanjiru Wanyoike, Claudia
Folba,Navaporn Worasilchai, Michael Weig, Uwe GroÃŸ and Christine C. Bii. Molecular
types of Cryptococcus gattii/Cryptococcus neoformans species complex from clinical and
environmental sources in Nairobi, Kenya. Mycoses; doi:10.1111/myc.12411 Â© 2015
Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
20. M. Kangogo, H. Boga, W. Wanyoike and C. Bii. Isolation and characterization of
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii from environmental sources in
Nairobi, Kenya. East African Medical Journal Vol. 91 No. 8 August 2014.
21. Kirui, M. C., Alakonya, A. E., Talam, K. K., Tohru, G., & Bii C. C. (2014). Total
aflatoxin, fumonisin and deoxynivalenol contamination of busaa in Bomet County,
Kenya. African Journal of Biotechnology, 13(26), 2675-267.
22. Talaam, K.K, Kirui, M.C, Ngaâ€™ngâ€™a, Z.W, Olga, M, Ouko, T and Bii, C.C. (2014).
Mycological quality of â€˜Mursikâ€™ Collected from Soliat Location, Kericho County, Kenya.
Afr J Health Sci. 27(2):138-147.
23. Kemoi E.K., Okemo P., Bii C.C. (2012). Isolation of Candida species from domestic
chicken (Gallus gallus) droppings in Kabigeriet village, Nakuru county Kenya. European
Scientific Journal. Vol. 9, pg 309-318, No. 36 ISSN: 1857-7881 (Print) e- ISSN 1857-
7431.
24. Elizabeth Nyambura Mwaura, Vivian Matiru and Christine Bii. Mycological findings of
sputum samples from pulmonary tuberculosis attending TB clinic in Nairobi. Virol Mycol
2013, 2:3 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0517.1000119.
25. Lilian C Ngeny, Esther Magiri, Charles Mutai, Nicholas Mwikwabe, Christine Bii
(2013). Antimicrobial properties and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel,
Fuerstia africana T.C.E. Fries, Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) and Ekebergia capensis
Sparrm. African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. vol 2, No 3 (2013).
26. E.K. KEMOI, P. OKEMO and C.C BII. Presence of Cryptococcus species in domestic
chicken (Gallus gallus) droppings and the potential risk posed to human in Kabigeriet
Village, Nakuru County Kenya. East African Medical Journal Vol. 89 No. 8 August 2013.
27. Mwitari PG, Ayeka PA, Ondicho J, Matu EN, Bii CC (2013) Antimicrobial Activity and
Probable Mechanisms of Action of Medicinal Plants of Kenya: Withania somnifera,
Warbugia ugandensis, Prunus africana and Plectrunthus barbatus. PLoS ONE 8(6):
e65619. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0065619.
28. Korir K, Bii CC. Mycological Quality of Maize Flour from Aflatoxins â€œHotâ€ Zone
Eastern Province â€“ Kenya. Afr J Health Sci. 2012; 21:143-146].
29. Bii F, Wanyoike W, Nyende AB, Gituru RW, Bii C. Fumonisins contamination of maize
(Zea mays) in aflatoxin hot zones in Eastern Province of Kenya. Afr J Health Sci. 2012;
20:28-36.
30. Korir K., Mutai C., Nandako J. and Bii C. (2012). Antimicrobial Properties of Hugonia
castaneifolia and Its Potential Use for the Control of Opportunistic Infections – East
Africa Medical Journal Vol. 88 No.4.
31. Korir R. Kimani C. Gathirwa J. Wambura M. and Bii C. (2012). In-vitro Antimicrobial
Properties of Methanol extracts of three Medicinal Plants from Kilifi District – Kenyaâ€“
Afr J Health Sci. 2012; 20:4-10.
32. Korir R. K, Mutai C. Kiiyukia and Bii C. (2012). Antimicrobial Activity and Safety of
two Medicinal Plants Traditionally used in Bomet District of Kenya â€“ Research journal
of medicinal plants, 2012 â€“ ISSN 1819-3455 / DOI:10.3923/rjmp
33. Irene Ogutu, Darasa lilechi, Charles Mutai, Christine Bii. Phytochemical analysis and
antimicrobial activity of phytolacca dodecandra, cucumis aculeatus and Erithrina exelsa.
Int.J.Biol.Chem. Sci. 6(2):692-704, 2012.
34. Kangogo MC, Wanyoike MW, Revathi G and Bii CC. Phenotypic characterization of
Candida albicans from clinical sources in Nairobi, Kenya. Afr J Health Sci. 2011;
19:19-23.
35. WLL Munyendo. JA Orwa, GM Rukunga, CC Bii. Bacteriostatic and Bactericidal activities
of Aspilia mussambiaensis , cimum gratissinum,and Toddalia asiatica extracts on selected
pathogenic bacteria. Research Journal of Medicinal plants. ISSN 1819-3455/DOI
10.3923/rjmp.2011.
36. Ooga VB, Gikunju J, Bii CC. Characterization and antifungal drug susceptibility of clinical
isolates of Candida spp. African Journal of Health Sciences. 2011. 19: 80-87.
37. Gitau AM, Ngâ€™anga Z, Sigilai W, Bii C. Fungal infections among diabetic foot ulcerpatients attending diabetic clinic in Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. East African
Medical Journal Vol. 88 No. 4 April 2011.
38. Siboe G.M., Kimathi G.M., Bii C.C. (1996). The role of airborne fungal spores from
garbage dumps in respiratory diseases. African Journal of Health Sciences. 3 (3).
39. Gebreselema Gebreyohannes, Andrew Nyerere, Christine Bii and Desta Berhe Sbhatu.
Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Indigenous Wild Mushrooms
against Pathogenic Organisms. Hindawi Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative
Medicine.Volume 2019, Article ID 6212673, https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6212673.
40. Abebe B, Bii C, Gatebe E, Maina N. (2017). Antibacterial metabolites prospecting from
Actinomycetes isolated from waste damped soils from Thika Central part of Kenya. Asia
Pacific Journal of Tropical Diseases 7(12):757-764.
41. Abigael Obura Awuor, Joel Montgomery, Ellen Yard, Collen Martin, Johnni Daniel,
Nicholas Zitomer, Michael Rybak, Lauren Lewis, Timothy Phillips, Amelia Romoser,
Sarah Elmore, Elvis Oyugi, Samwel Amwayi, Christine Bii & John Vulule (2016):
Evaluation of Efficacy, Acceptability and Palatability of Calcium montmorillonite Clay
used to reduce aflatoxin B1 dietary exposure in a Crossover study in Kenya, Food
Additives & Contaminants: Part A To link to this article:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2016.1224933.
42. Martha F. Mushi a, Conjester I. Mtemisika a, Oliver Bader b, Christine Bii C, Mariam
M. Mirambo a, Uwe GroÃŸ b, Stephen E. Mshana a High Oral Carriage of Non-albicans
Candida spp. among HIV-infected individuals. International Journal of Infectious
Diseases 49 (2016) 185â€“188. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2016.07.001.
43. John A Guto, Christine C Bii, David W Denning. Estimated burden of fungal infections
in Kenya. J Infect Dev Ctries 2016; 10(8):777-784. doi:10.3855/jidc.
44. Beritah Mutune, Sunday Ekesi, Saliou Niassy, Viviene Matiru, Christine Bii & Nguya
K. Maniania. Fungal endophytes as promising tools for the management of bean stem
maggot Ophiomyia phaseoli on beans Phaseolus vulgaris. Journal of Pest Science. ISSN
1612-4758 J Pest Sci DOI 10.1007/s10340-015-0725-4.
45. Limo Jacqueline, Bii Christine, Musa Otieno Ngayo, Galgalo Tura, Mutua Daniel,
Nkirote Rose1 and Nyerere Andrew. Infection rates and correlates of Non-Tuberculous
mycobacteria among Tuberculosis retreatment cases in Kenya. Prime Journal of Social
Science (PJSS). ISSN: 2315-5051. Vol. 4(7), pp. 1128-1134, July 31st, 2015.
46. P. Kaaria, V. Matiru, J. Wakibia, C. Bii and M. Ndungu. Antimicrobial Activity of
Marine Algae Associated Endophytes and Epiphytes from the Kenya Coast.
Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2015) 4(8): 17-22.
47. Theddeus M. Kiswii, Ethel O. Monda, Paul O. Okemo, Christine Bii, Amos E.
Alakonya (2014). Efficacy of selected medicinal plants from Eastern Kenya against
Aspergillus flavus. Journal of Plant Sciences. 2014; 2(5): 226-231.
48. Kosgey Janet Cheruiyot, Njenga Elizabetha, Mutai Charles, Bii Christine C, Korir
Richard, Too Emily. Ethnobotanical survey and plant monographs of medicinal plants
used among the Elgeyo community in Kenya. The Journal of Ethnobiology and
Traditional Medicine. Photon 120 (2013) 633-
649.https://sites.google.com/site/photonfoundationorganization/home/the-journal-ofethnobiology-and-traditional-medicine.
49. Koech K.R, Wachira F.N., Ngure R.M., Wanyoko J.K., Bii C. and Karori S.M.
"Antibacterial and Synergistic Activity of Different Tea Crude Extracts against Antibiotic
Resistant S. Aureus, E. Coli and a Clinical Isolate of S. Typhi" Science Journal of
Microbiology, Volume 2013, Article ID sjmb-115, 9 Pages, 2013. doi: 10.7237/sjmb/115.
50. Koech K. R., Wachira F. N., Ngure R. M., Orina I. A.1, Wanyoko J. K., Bii C. and
Karori S. M. Antifungal activity of crude tea extracts. African Journal of Agricultural
Research. Vol. 8(19), pp. 2086-2089, 23 May, 2013.
51. K. Korir, C. Bii, C. Kiiyukia, C. Mutai (2011). Antimicrobial Activities of Clutia
abyssinica and Erythrina abyssinica Plants Extracts used among the Kipsigis community
of Bomet District in Kenya â€“ Indian Journal of Natural Products Vol. 7(5).
52. A. Chepchirchir, Bii CC, Ndinya-Achola JO. Dermatophyte infections in primary school
children in Kibera slums in Nairobi. East African Medical Journal. 2009: 86(2): 59-68.
53. Abiy Yenesew, Solomon Derese, Jacob O. Midiwo Christine C. Bii, Matthias
Heydenreich and Martin. (2005). Antimicrobial flavonoids from the stem bark of
Erythrina burttii. Fitoterapia. 76(5): 469-472.
54. J.M. Chakaya, C. Bii, L. Ngâ€™angaâ€™, E. Amukoye, T. Ouko, L. Muita, S. Gathua, J. Gitau, I.
Odongo, J.M. Kabanga, K. Nagai, S. Suzumura and Y. Sugiura. (2003). Pneumocystis
Carinii pneumoniae in HIV/AIDS patients at an Urban District Hospital in Kenya. East
African Medical Journal. 80(1): 30-35.
55. Ochieng W, Wanzala P, Bii CC, Oishi I, Ichimura H, Lihana R, Mpoke S, Mwaniki D,
Okoth F. Tuberculosis and oral Candida species surveillance in HIV infected individuals
in Northern Kenya, and the implications on tuberculin skin test screening for DOPT-P.
East African Medical Journal. 2005; 82(12): 625-629.
56. Adelaide OA, Bii C, Okemo P. Antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in Escherichia
Coli from broiler chicken slaughtered at Tigoni processing Plant in Limuru. East African
Medical Journal. 2008: 85(12):597-606.
57. Mutai, C., Bii, C., Ondicho, J., Rukunga, J., Oketch, P. Antimicrobial screening of the
root, stem bark and seed extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam. East African Journal of
Botany. 2008. 1(2):174-180.
58. C. Mutai, C. Bii, G. Rukunga, J. Ondicho, P. Mwitari, D. Abatis, C. Vagias, V. Roussis
and J. Kirui. Antimicrobial activity of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Acacia
mellifera. Afr. J. Trad. Comp. Alt. Med, 2008.
59. Kweyu P. Lutta, Bii Christine, Akenga A. Teresa and Wanjala W. Cornelius.
Antimicrobial Marine Natural Products from the Sponge, Axinella infundibuliformis Rec.
Nat. Prod. (2008), 2:4; 116-127.
60. Mirriam Mbilu1, Wanjiru Wanyoike, Mourine Kangogo, Christine Bii, Muthumbi
Agnes, Charles Kihia Isolation and Characterization of Endophytic Fungi from
Medicinal Plant Warburgia ugandensis. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare
www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online).Vol.8, No.12, 2018.
61. Gebreselema Gebreyohannes, Andrew Nyerere, Christine Bii, and Desta B. Sbhatu.
Investigation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Extracts of
Auricularia and Termitomyces Species of Mushrooms. Scientific World Journal Volume
2019, Article ID 7357048, 10 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7357048
62. K. E. Feldman, M. A. Jacobson, Christine C Bii, A. Mohammed, J. K. Kwasa, E. A.
Bukusi, Craig Cohen. Clinical trial protocol and report on recruitment: comparing
flucytosine-fluconazole combination therapy to standard of care in western Kenya.
Mycoses 57:47-47 Â· May 2014.
63. Rosemary A. Okuku, Christine C Bii, Ernest Makohka, Musa Ngâ€™ayo. Test performance
and correlates of bacterial vaginosis among women in Western Kenya. Prime Journal of
Microbiology research Jan 2016.
64. Kirui, Jackson, Raphael Ngure, Bii, Christine, Karimi, Peter, Mutai, Charles Amugune,
Beatrice. Combined Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Eucalyptus citriodora and
Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oils – Supporting Information. African Journal of
Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Vol 3:29-39 2014.
65. Bebora, Lily, Bii, Christine, Kibebe, Herbert Pigeon-Frequented Areas, Garbage Piles
and Dog Faeces as Possible Sources of Candida and Cryptococcus Infections for Humans
and Animals. T1 – VL – 29 DO – 10.4314/kenvet.v29i1.39589. 2005/01/01

NAME: Bii Christine C. BSc, MSc, PhD-Medical Mycology

CONTACT: Mycology Division, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Box 54840-00200 Nairobi. Kenya cbii@kemri.go.ke, biichristinec@gmail.com, Telephone: +254721224351 https://www.kemri.go.ke/

CURRENT POSITION;
Title: Senior Principal Research Scientist (KMR 2), and DD-CMR
Department: Mycology Division, Centre for Microbiology Research
Institution: Kenya Medical Research Institute

Responsibilities:
Deputy Director-Centre for Microbiology Research-2020-Current
Head, Mycology Division- Kenya Medical Research Institute-15 years
Course Coordinator- Medical Mycology – KEMRI Graduate School-
Medical Mycology Lecturer/supervisor: KEMRI Graduate School-Jomo Kenyatta University, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi
Reviewer; Medical Mycology Journal, African Journal of Health Science Journal
Publications: 67
Post graduate students mentorship-50

PhD

Guillermo

Garcia-Effron

Director of the Laboratory of Mycology and Molecular Diagnostics

Universidad Nacional del Littoral

Argentina

The resarch interests of my group are antifungal resistance (molecular mechanisms), antifungal susceptibility testing and improving mycoses diagnostics (in speed and in sensitivity)

I am specialized in clinical mycology and antifungal resistance. With extensive expertise in microbiology, I contributed to understanding fungal pathogens and their interactions with antifungal agents. My research is focus on elucidating mechanisms of resistance, optimizing treatment strategies, and enhancing diagnostic approaches in fungal infections. I am authored numerous peer-reviewed publications (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=garcia-effron&sort=date) and actively participate in scientific conferences and collaborative research initiatives worldwide.
My lab web: https://micologia-unl.wixsite.com/inicio

Vincent

Kiprop

Graduate Student

Kenyatta University

Kenya

– The role of Airborne fungi, Changing Climate, and Human economic activities in Disease Occurrence in Cities

– Mycotoxin menace (Fumonisins and Aflatoxins); their pathogenesis in cancer patients; agricultural practices that contribute to their surge; interventions focusing on prevention, and reduction in diet.

-Bioprospecting for Antifungals from stubborn rural weeds

Currently a final year graduate student at Kenyatta University, Kenya pursuing M.Sc. Medical Microbiology. I am also undertaking my research studentship at Mycology Unit-Kenya Medical and Research Institute, where I am involved with a lot more than my studentship project, i.e., Mycotoxin analysis, Fungal Identification and Characterization, etc.,. I am also Senior Manuscript Editor at Free-Science Limited, China; this is a virtual position where we assist Graduate students to prepare manuscripts prior to publication. My interests revolves around the role of Environmental fungi in disease occurrence as well as novel Antifungal approaches (including secondary metabolites of these fungi) for interventions against these diseases. Given the limited data and experts in fungal diagnostics, I am also drawn to this course particularly capacity building of hospital laboratory staffs. My choice to be in Medical mycology is deliberate, cognizant of the fact that there is a lot regarding fungal pathogens that remains untapped, yet urgent in our region. This will prepare us for the next pandemic.

Francis

Orishaba

Microbiologist

Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Uganda

Molecular aspects of mycology in relation to keratitis- a blinding eye disease. Antifungal drug resistance, and understanding immunological markers and exploiting them for disease diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.

I am a trained Biomedical Scientist- MSc from the University of Chester, UK and now working on a Corneal research program in Uganda supported by LSHTM international centre for eye health. As a microbiologist, I have been key in setting up the first ocular microbiology lab in the country at Mbarara University of Science and Technology where am supporting the ongoing clinical trial on fungal keratitis and also supporting clinicians in the management and care of patients. I am involved in the training and support of other selected eye care hospital staff in the country in trying to cascade the ocular microbiology service in these hospitals. This is being done under the Velux stiftung funded project "Piloting point of care diagnostics in management of microbial keratitis in Uganda". I have been to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and worked with expert colleagues to set up protocols for Antifungal resistance testing and also worked on several molecular biology techniques and I look forward to deploying these skills and competencies in the next project looking at antifungal resistance- utilizing our diverse Bio resources.

Mrs

Sonia

Yadav

Project Microbiologist

Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan

Nepal

Prognostic approach to AMR
Convectional and automated assay based AFST
Mycotoxicosis /Biofilms -vent through epidemiology and pathogenesis -Immunology based diagnostic outcomes
Fungal Microscopy (KoH /CFW ) ,Culture, Identification and preservation

Sonia (Sharma)Yadav , born in 1987 ,brought up and studied in India. Now a citizen of Nepal since 2014 (married to Nepalese citizen)
BSc Medical Microbiology and Msc Medical Microbiology passed with distinction from renowned medical institutions from India
I have 11 years + of teaching experience and clinical exposure in microbiology
Moreover i have 08 paper publications with national and international well renowned journals with good impact factor.
Attended many CME's , presented at various medical platforms , having administrative skills and can work under pressure.
Member of Infection Control Unit/Surveillance Unit BNC Hospital, Nepal, Since 2017
Member of Gastrointestinal Infection Society of India, Since 2012
Interests –Approach towards surveillance and diagnosis of microbial keratitis, helps building /renovating better treatment policies, Drug profiling that change vision of ocular health services.
Currently working as Project Microbiologist in SCEH , Lahan ,Nepal , well furnished Microbiology laboratory setup ,by LSHTM ,London
Worked under various grants projects -wellcome funded , ISAC , Velux and many more to come. Continuing Fungal screening , Culture ,Identification and preservation of isolates in special reference to Keratitis cases at work station in Nepal.

Professor

Maria Ligia

Macedo

Researcher and advisor

Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul

Brasil

I have been a professor/researcher at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul for 30 years. Our team develops research with antimicrobial and anticancer proteins and peptides. We focus on the development of bioproducts for the health and food sectors. Links for consultation:
1) www.lppfb.ufms.br
2) http://lattes.cnpq.br/3603810130381168

Coordinated the Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity (Rede PrÃ³-Centro-Oeste). She is an accredited professor in the following Postgraduate Courses: Health Sciences and Development of the Midwest at UFMS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Multicentric-SBPC), Biotechnology (UFMS) and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UFMS). She was coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Multicentrico-SBBq) (2014-2016). She was coordinator of the Biological Sciences Course (1994-1996) and head of the Department of Natural Sciences at UFMS (1997-1999). He acts as a referee for important scientific journals with international circulation and is an ad hoc advisor to Development Agencies in the country and abroad. Member of the Brazilian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science, the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). Editorial board member of international scientific journals. Winner of the FINEP Prize in Science and Technology in 2012 (3rd place), 2013 and 2015 (1st place). Professor Honored for her contribution to Science by the Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science (SBPC, 2019), Honored with the LÃUREA JOÃƒO FLORENTINO MEIRA DE VASCONCELLOS OF PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION by the Brazilian Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2019), Recognized as Rosalind Member of London Journals by London Journal Press. (CV: https://lattes.cnpq.br/3603810130381168)

Dora Edith

Corzo Leon

Postdoctoral research fellow

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

My research interests are the study of 1) host-pathogen-pathogen interactions during fungal infections including fungal-viral and fungal-bacterial infections, 2) Natural genetic variation found in human antimicrobial peptides, 3) Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance in fungal infections, 4) Improving diagnostic capacities in LMIC. You can find more about my research here https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dora-Corzo-Leon

I am a MD, Ph.D. specialised in internal medicine and infectious diseases, graduated as a PhD in Molecular Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen. In 2020 founded a continuous medical education online platform called The Mycoloyeast (https://themycoloyeast.com) aiming to help improving the diagnostic skills on fungal infections in LMIC specially Spanish speaking. During my first postdoctoral experience, I was responsible for the setup of the first CL3/BSL SARS-CoV-2 laboratory in the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. Currently, I am a postdoctoral research fellow in the MRC centre for medical mycology at the University of Exeter studying bacterial endosymbiosis in Mucorales.

Professor

Carolina

Pohl

NRF SARChI Research Chair in Pathogenic Yeasts

University of the Free State

South Africa

I lead a multi-PI team working on Candida albicans and various non-albicans species, including C. auris, as well as Cryptococcus neoformans. Our interest is in understanding host-pathogen intereactions (especially the production and role of lipids and eicosanoids in the interaction) as well as understanding and finding solultions to drug resistance. In order to do this we use in-house developed CRISPR-Cas9 technologies as well as invertebrate infection models.
https://www.ufs.ac.za/natagri/departments-and-divisions/microbiology-and-biochemistry-home/departmental-divisions/nrf-sarchi

Professor Carolina Pohl is a National Research Foundation SARChI Research Chair holder in Pathogenic Yeasts in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Her research group is especially interested in Candida albicans, Candida auris and Cryptococcus neoformans. Within this broad area she is interested in the role of lipids in host-pathogen interactions as well as the potential of lipids as antifungal molecules and drug targets. This focus is also expanded to include polymicrobial interactions, especially between pathogenic yeasts and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the implications of co-infection with yeasts and respiratory and enteric viruses.

Chibuike

Ibe

Research fellow

University of the Free State

South Africa

My research interest is on cell wall and cell membrane biology of Candida albicans and their role in infection pathogenesis and drug resistance

I picked an interest as a young man in the mystery of microorganisms and their role in disease causation. This led me to pursue a degree in biological sciences at Abia State University, Nigeria and graduating with a summa cum laude in microbiology. After a few years work as a research assistant, I pursued my MSc and PhD in microbiology at the University of Aberdeen with Professor Carol Munro and focused in medical mycology, studying the role of a novel family of Candida albicans cell wall proteins in virulence and stress response. After my studies, I took up a teaching and research position at Abia State University, Nigeria where I gained teaching experience and advanced my research under the mentorship of Professor Emeka Nweze. Currently, I am a research fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa under the mentorship of Professor Carolina Pohl investigating plasma membrane and cell wall mechanisms of antifungal resistance.

Minh Duc

Nguyen

Lecture and Researcher

Phenikaa University

Vietnam

– Bacterial ribosome targeted antimicrobial antifungal peptides, small molecules and natural products
– Structure and functions of proteins, DNA, RNA by biophysical and biochemical approaches
– Protein â€“ protein/ small molecules interaction
– Screening, researching and developing anti-cancer drug candidates
– Mass spectrometry, X ray crystallography, cryo â€“ electron microscopy
– Structural based drug design

I'm a molecular and structural biologist with a passion for unraveling the intricate mechanisms that govern life at the molecular level. My journey in the field began with a profound curiosity about the fundamental processes that drive cellular function and shape biological systems.

Throughout my career, I've delved deep into understanding the structures and dynamics of biomolecules, ranging from proteins and nucleic acids to lipid membranes. My work revolves around elucidating the three-dimensional structures of key biological macromolecules using advanced techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and computational modeling. By deciphering these molecular structures, I aim to uncover crucial insights into their functions and interactions within living organisms.
In addition to my passion for research, I'm deeply committed to translating scientific discoveries into tangible solutions for pressing biomedical challenges. Whether it's designing novel therapeutics targeting specific molecular pathways or engineering biomaterials for regenerative medicine, I'm driven by the potential of molecular biology to make a meaningful impact on human health and well-being.

Professor

James

Mason

Professor of Membrane

King’s College London, University of London

United Kingdom

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/james-mason

Vu Quoc

Dat

Senior lecturer

Hanoi Medical University

Vietnam

Research, clinical work, and teaching are three of my passions. I am especially interested in understanding emerging, re-emerging and neglected health issues related to infectious diseases and exploring potential and simple interventions to address them, particularly in the resource constrained settings.
With this in mind, my focus is on antimicrobial resistance and and developing strategies for management of fungal and bacterial infection. I am committed to pursuing a career in infectious disease research, and my long term goal is to become a clinical academic and a leading researcher in Vietnam on infectious diseases for the long-term sustainability of development of local capacity of managing infectious diseases.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5904-5970

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5904-5970

Eduardo

Buozi Moffa

Assistant Professor

University of Saskatchewan

Canada

My principal research interests are divided into the main areas:
1) Investigation the antimicrobial effect of new drug delivery systems incorporated with antimicrobial peptides (AMP)
2) Investigating which salivary proteins and peptides can adhere to the surfaces of various biomaterials (e.g., zircon, titanium, and bioglass) using high-throughput proteomics and mass spectrometry. Seeking to enhance the performance of these materials within the oral cavity.
3) Exploring infectious lesions associated with dental prostheses, with a particular focus on S. aureus/Candida-associated conditions like denture stomatitis which can lead to severe complications specially in long term care patients. These lesions are highly prevalent yet relatively under investigated through clinical studies. I am committed to exploring conservative treatment methods, such as oral hygiene practices and antimicrobial interventions using Antimicrobial Peptides.

As a dental clinician-scientist with a DDS degree (2008), a Masterâ€™s and PhD in Oral Rehabilitation and a postdoc in Pediatric Dentistry, I am deeply passionate about scientific discoveries and their application in clinical practice. My research focuses on the development of antimicrobial peptides to prevent infections in the oral cavity, particularly for long-term care patients. Dentures can act as reservoirs for microorganisms like Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, leading to infections. By incorporating engineered antimicrobial peptides into different biomaterials or using drug delivery systems, my research aims to mitigate these risks. This innovative approach has significant implications for improving oral health in vulnerable populations preventing nosocomial infections. Additionally, I am exploring the use of high-throughput proteomics and mass spectrometry to identify salivary proteins/peptides that adhere to various biomaterials, enhancing their performance in the oral cavity. My collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the University of SÃ£o Paulo, The University of Western Ontario, and The University of Saskatchewan have been instrumental in advancing my research and fostering a collaborative research environment. As a clinician-scientist, I bring a wealth of experience in clinical and laboratory research, focusing on new treatments to combat fungal/bacterial infections. https://dentistry.usask.ca/faculty/eduardo-moffa.php

Prof Dr Ir

Greetje

Vande Velde

Professor, group leader, principal investigator

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

BelgiÃ«

https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/nl/person/00042975
lung diseases, fungal (super)infections, imaging, animal models of infection, host-pathogen interactions

Prof. Dr. Greetje Vande Velde studied Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Bioscience engineering and obtained her PhD in 2010, introducing in vivo imaging to study the molecular pathogenesis of Parkinsonâ€™s disease. During postdoctoral fellowships in Leuven, Paris and Barcelona she further developed expertise in multimodal non-invasive MRI, optical imaging and computed tomography applied to small animal models of complex conditions, such as host-pathogen interactions in infections. In 2015 she started her own research group on Lung and Infectious Diseases Imaging at the Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium. Her research focuses on tracking and unravelling disease processes by developing novel complementary imaging technologies and applications that allow to non-invasively and therefore repeatedly interrogate living organisms. She thereby aims to yield new insight in complex pathogenic processes that involve multiple systems that interact dynamically in time and space, such as in lung diseases and during co-infections of viral and fungal pathogens: host response, dissemination, exacerbation.

Tom

Spears

MSc student

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

United Kingdom

Access to care
Febrile illness in Children
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Mycetoma
Histoplasmosis
Cryptococcosis

Having worked in Chad as a medical Dr for several years I have first hand experience of the state of medical care. Patients often present with very advanced pathologies for which limited treatment is available. Poor access to care, limited availability of diagnostic and medical resources and financial constraint are some of the key barriers to improving health outcomes. Clinicians often find that the available evidence base for management has little applicability to the situations in which they find themselves. I am currently taking a career break from clinical medicine to try and invest in solutions to these problems. My MSc thesis currently focuses on understanding barriers that prevent or delay febrile children from accessing care. I am also interested in the multiple pathologies that go unrecognised, misdiagnosed or poorly treated. These include mycetoma, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and other potentially unrecognised mimics of pulmonary tuberculosis. There are great opportunities for research in Chad as well as a great need. My hope is to stimulate local research within Chad and act as an intermediary to help build networks and collaborations that will start to impact on the knowledge and resources needed to improve patient care.

Sirida

Youngchim

Instructor

Chiang Mai University

Thailand

My current studies is focused on pathogenesis, rapid diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei.

Her ongoing research is focused on Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei including rapid diagnosis and virulence factor of this fungus. For rapid diagnosis, the 4D1 monoclonal antibody (a mouse IgG1) is specific to antigen of T. marneffei only, and applied into a new T. marneffei diagnostic assay, a lateral flow immunochromatography assay was developed. The rapid test showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 89.47%, 100% and 97.65 % respectively. She also develops other rapid diagnosis of fungal infections, such cryptococcosis. The rapid tests of fungal infections have been awarded from the National Research Council of Thailand of the Year 2022.
Since T. marneffei is a dimorphic fungus found in the soil environment, her research also looked into its interaction with soil amoeba and discovered that T. marneffei effectively expressed virulence characteristics, implying that the pathogen used environmental amoebae as a training ground for mammalian infection.

Priv.Doz. Mag.rer.nat., PhD

Ulrike

Binder

Senior Scientist

Medizinische Universität Innsbruck

Ã–sterreich

All my scientific career IÂ´ve had a strong interest in filamentous fungi that can cause infections in humans and/or produce antimicrobial substances, e.g. Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucorales, focussinf on antifungal drugs, antifungal peptides and the signaling cascades involved in their activity mechanisms, and host pathogen interactions.
My research interests within medical mycology are (1) investigating fungal adaptation to environmental stress, the influence of such stresses on the activity of antifungals and the pathways that are involved in such changes and (2) setting up alternative in vitro and in vivo models to study fungal pathogenicity, establishment of disease and the efficacy of new antifungal drugs. Here, a special focus has been laid on Mucorales infections and on developing new methods to visualize Mucorales infections, for example by the generation and use of bioluminescent reporter strains.
Orcid ID: 0000-0002-2160-2903

I graduated from Leopold Franzen University Innsbruck in 2005, finalized my PhD works at the Medical University of Innsbruck, in 2009 and since 2019, when completing my "venia docendi", hold a senior scientist position at the Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology. During my early career years my focus was on the potential and characteristics of antifungal peptides. My methodical repertoire was greatly enlarged during internships at the DTU Copenhagen (Prof. Jens Nielson), St. Johns University in NYC, University of Edinburgh (Prof. Nick Read) and the National Institute of Chemistry in Lubljana. In the last years have successfully established G. mellonella as an alternative in vivo model. I have been using these model organisms to study virulence potential of different medically relevant yeasts and molds, to evaluate the efficacy of antifungal compounds, to investigate the mechanisms involved in causing disease, to decipher expression of virulence relevant genes in vivo and to look at changes in the host immune system. Currently, my research focus is laid on Mucormycetes and deciphering disease establishment, virulence traits and antifungal resistance of this group of mold pathogens employing bioluminescent reporter strains, CRISPRCas for knock out generation and novel in vitro and in vivo models.

Sonja

Billerbeck

Group Leader

University of Groningen

The Netherlands

1. We are building a pipeline to access, understand, and engineer the hidden pool of yeast killer toxins:
Ascomycete yeasts have evolved a large pool of small protein antifungals to compete in the environment. The genetic and functional diversity of these yeast-killer toxins suggests that they represent a huge arsenal of naturally optimized ways to kill fungi. A few killer toxins have been extensively studied, but the larger meta-genomic pool remains untapped.
We are building new strategies and technologies to access, understand, and engineer the hidden pool of yeast killer toxins toward their application as purified protein antifungals, as inspiration for functional mimicry, or for their use within engineered biocontrol agents and cell-based therapeutics.

2. Fungal GPCR as diagnostics or future drug targets?
35% of drugs target human G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). This is because they are druggable from the extracellular, and they regulate many disease-related pathways, and drug screening assays are readily available. Fungal genomes encode many fungi-specific classes of GPCRs but little is known about their ligands and the downstream pathways they control. A better molecular understanding of fungal GPCRs could lead to new antifungal treatments and also constitute an excellent resource for biosensing. We currently focus on the role of fungal mating GPCRs in triggering phenotypic changes in opportunistic pathogenic yeast and their use as biosensors.

Find more information on my website: www.billerbecklab.com
or in this recent perspective: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.03.003

Sonja holds a Master's in Microbiology from the University of TÃ¼bingen (GER) and a PhD in Bioengineering from ETH ZÃ¼rich (CH). After postdoctoral research in yeast Synthetic Biology at Columbia University in New York City (USA), Sonja joined the University of Groningen (NL) as an Assistant Professor for Molecular Microbiology.
In Groningen, Sonja develops a research program that uses Synthetic Biology, Protein Engineering, and Environmental Microbiology to access, understand, and engineer the functional diversity of the yeast-based mycobiome for applications in human health, industrial biotechnology and to answer fundamental questions on yeast (pathogen) biology.
Besides her research, Sonja is dedicated to education, outreach, and community building in the field of Synthetic Biology. Sonja has been leading iGEM teams at various institutions for over twelve years, she is the Chair of the Microbial Biotechnology section of the Royal Dutch Association for Microbiology and the Dutch Biotechnology Association, a co-founder of SynBioNL and the Editor in Chief of OUP Synthetic Biology.

Ph.D.

Ondrej

Baszczynski

research scientist, teacher

Charles University Prague

Czech Republic

medicinal chemistry, antifungal compounds, prodrugs, drug delivery, https://www.baszczynski-lab.com/

Assistant professor at the Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague. My research interests are organic synthesis, drug design and drug delivery. We focus on the design of novel drug delivery strategies targeted to fungi, altering structures of known anti-fungal compounds, and searching for new anti-fungal targets.

Vinaykumar

Hallur

Faculty

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar

India

Clinical Mycology, Mycetoma, Chromoblastomycosis

Chief of the ICMR Advanced Molecular and Diagnostic Research Center for Fungi in East India.
Mucormycosis, Candida auris, Mycetoma, Chromoblastomycosis

PhD

Agustin

Resendiz Sharpe

Postdoctoral researcher

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Belgium

Medical mycology, antifungal and antimicrobial resistance, preclinical and clinical research.
https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00115273

I am a pediatric infectious diseases specialist from Mexico, currently conducting research in fungal infections as a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven. During my infectious diseases training in Mexico, I observed the significant impact of limited understanding in certain diseases and the constraints posed by resistance or suboptimal or lacking therapeutic options. This motivated me to pursue research to unravel unknowns and improve patient outcomes. My passion for fungal infections led me to Belgium, where I joined the research group of Prof. Katrien Lagrou, a renowned expert in medical mycology. During my Ph.D., I engaged in diverse and challenging projects, particularly addressing the research needs in Aspergillus fumigatus. My Ph.D. journey was marked by significant achievements in epidemiological studies, multicenter clinical research, and cutting-edge basic and translational in vitro and in vivo research. I formed local and international collaborations, mastered molecular techniques, and pioneered preclinical in vivo studies, creating unique platforms for studying A. fumigatus infections. My research journey has continued as I actively collaborate within KU Leuven and internationally, further extending my expertise in mycology and in vivo imaging. Recently, my interests have expanded to mucormycosis, where I continue to pursue my passion for advancing the understanding and treatment.

Guilhem

Janbon

Principal Investigator

Institut Pasteur

France

https://research.pasteur.fr/fr/team/rna-biology-of-fungal-pathogens/

https://research.pasteur.fr/fr/member/guilhem-janbon/
I am a “Directeur de Recherche” and a principal investigator at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. Since 2019, I am Director of the Department of Mycology at the Institut Pasteur. I have a very long experience in working and publishing on different aspects of genetics and biology of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida molischiana, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus deneoformans, Cryptococcus deuterogattii as well as Aspergillus fumigatus). I did my PhD in Montpellier (France) under the supervision of Prof. P. Galzy, studying the β-glucosidase of Candida molischiana and its potential to improve wine quality. I then did a first postdoc in the laboratory of Prof. D. Sherman in Rochester (USA), where I studied chromosome alteration in Candida albicans. Back in France for a second postdoc at the Institut Pasteur in the laboratory of Prof. B. Dupont, I started working on Cryptococcus, first on capsule biosynthesis. I then started work on the biology of RNA in the same yeast, which I am still doing today. Since 2015, I have been heading the RNA biology of fungal pathogens unit at the Institut Pasteur. Part of my laboratory now also works on the biology of extracellular vesicles. Over the years, I have supervised a number of students (PhD, Masters and Bachelor) and postdocs and have received a number of research grants, including several from the French National Research Agency (Agence Nationale de la Recherche, ANR).

Doctor

Caroline

Maluleka

Pathologist-Microbiology

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Medical mycology, Epidemiology and surveillance of infectious diseases, Antimicrobial resistance and Infection prevention and control

Dr Caroline Maluleka is a microbiologist who has worked in the public-sector for over 10 years. Her current work focuses on infectious disease epidemiology and AMR, with a particular interest in mycoses. Served as a principal Investigator for the national GERMS-SA surveillance program and research studies which have played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of critical diseases of public health concern and informing effective interventions and policy. Currently serving as the acting head for the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses.
Throughout her career, she has served as a scientific advisor to prominent organizations such as the South African Vaccination & Immunization Centre (SAVIC) and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). Passionate about empowering emerging healthcare leaders through education and had lectured and supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students. Currently enrolled with the University of Exeter studying towards Masters program in Medical Mycology.

Dr.

Barry

Panaretou

Senior Lecturer

King’s College London, University of London

United Kingdom

Drug resistance in Candida auris. Developing screening platforms for identifying antifungals.
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/barry-panaretou

Dr. Barry Panaretou’s doctoral research at University College London focused on fungal stress responses, featuring the discovery of Hsp30, a plasma membrane-localized chaperone. During postdoctoral work, he investigated structure/activity relationships of the Hsp90 molecular chaperone, making a key contribution to work showing that ATP binding and hydrolysis are essential for Hsp90 action. He started his own group in 2000, in the School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences at King’s College London where his lab identified proteins that are essential for fungal phosphoinositde signalling, and maintenance of cell wall integrity. His laboratory is now generating drug sensitized strains of Candida auris that have facilitated identification of novel antifungal compounds that can target this drug-resistant fungal pathogen.

KHANH

Principal Investigator (PI)

Phenikaa University

Vietnam

My research interests focus on genetic mutations in antifungal drug resistance (AFR) and the association between genetic mutations and lipidomics.
– Genetic mutations play a crucial role in the development of AFR in various fungal pathogens. Understanding these mutations is essential for developing diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and novel antifungal agents.
– The association between genetic mutations and lipidomics in AFR is an emerging field that explores how genetic changes in fungal pathogens influence lipid metabolism and contribute to resistance.

Dr. Khanh Do, Head of the Biomedicine & Genetics Department and Director of the Applied Biomedical Research Center (ABMC) at Phenikaa University, leads this program. She earned her bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Science, Vietnam National University. She earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, supported by a Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) fellowship. In 2020, she was recognized by the US-NIH for her outstanding research (https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/752060). She returned back to Vietnam and joined Phenikaa University, Hanoi, in 2022 and also heads the Medical and Scientific Board of the Vietnam Organization of Rare Diseases (VORD) (https://www.rarediseases.vn/). Dr. Do's research focuses on genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Diseases (MADs), and HIV, particularly addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in HIV. The goal is to develop early diagnostic tools and potential therapeutics. With membership approval from the UK Biobank, Dr. Do aims to investigate the differences between the UK population and Vietnamese/Asian populations, aiming to enhance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying these disorders.

Miss

NOR AKMALYATI

SULONG

LECTURER

University College of MAIWP International (UCMI)

Malaysia

Here is the summary with the changes from "your" to "I":
I focus my research on discovering potential therapeutic agents from natural products for the management of diabetes as well as exploring natural products with antifungal and antimicrobial properties. I employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates computational biology techniques, natural product evaluation, and biological assays.
For diabetes research, I utilize computational methods like molecular docking, virtual screening, and structure-based drug design to identify and optimize potential antidiabetic agents from natural sources or chemical libraries. These computationally identified compounds are then evaluated for their efficacy in regulating glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and other relevant mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo biological assays. Additionally, I investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the antidiabetic effects of the identified compounds.
In the antifungal and antimicrobial domain, I employ computational approaches such as homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies to explore and predict the antifungal and antimicrobial activities of natural products or synthetic compounds. I screen and evaluate natural product extracts or purified compounds for their antifungal and antimicrobial activities against a range of pathogenic fungi and bacteria using various biological assays. Furthermore, I investigate the mechanisms of action, potential synergies, and resistance development associated with the identified antifungal and antimicrobial agents.
To support my research, I utilize techniques like extraction, isolation, purification, and structure elucidation (NMR, Mass Spectrometry) to characterize bioactive compounds from natural sources such as plants, microorganisms, or marine organisms. I also conduct phytochemical analyses and bioassay-guided fractionation to identify and isolate active constituents responsible for the observed biological activities.
My research employs a range of in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the efficacy, potency, and selectivity of the identified compounds or natural product extracts. This includes cell-based assays (e.g., cytotoxicity, enzyme inhibition, glucose uptake) and animal models to assess the antidiabetic, antifungal, and antimicrobial activities of the test compounds. Additionally, I perform assays to investigate the underlying mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis-related assays.
Overall, my research aims to leverage computational biology tools, natural product chemistry, and biological assays to discover and develop potential therapeutic agents for diabetes management, as well as identify natural products with antifungal and antimicrobial properties, contributing to the development of novel treatment strategies.
LinkediN Profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/akmalyati-sulong-55135053/

I am a Computational Biology Researcher and Lecturer at University College MAIWP International, with expertise in drug development, computational chemistry, and molecular modeling. I am currently pursuing my PhD at the University of Malaya, working as a Graduate Research Fellow in drug discovery and AI applications. I am also an International Program Associate at the Institute of Molecular Science in Okazaki, Japan, contributing to drug development research.
With over 11 years of experience, I have assisted senior researchers, taught chemistry, and analyzed compounds using advanced techniques. I have received prestigious awards like the IUPAB Young Scientist Travel Grant and MOSTI Scholarship, and was involved in a diabetic drug development program with Yale University.
My research grants include a RM5,000 TASREF grant in 2022 for a project on laboratory waste management practices among health science students. I received RM4,800 from TASREF in 2021 for an in silico and in vitro study on garcinia combogia toxicity in kidney cells. Another notable grant is the RM13,000 from TASREF (2020-2022) for research on the antifungal activity of Entada spiralis. I also secured a RM20,000 TASREF grant (2022-2024) for cytotoxicity and anticancer screening of Entada spirallis against breast cancer cells, and a RM5,000 grant for in silico molecular docking of Ficus deltoidea compounds as diabetes inhibitors.

Dr.

MEHDI

ABBASTABARBOZROUDI

Professor

Mazandararn University of Medical Sciences

Iran

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WmyysCoAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=32367548400

Mahdi Abastabar is a Professor of Medical Mycology in the Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.
He initially studied Penicillium molecular diversity with Prof. Mirhendi at Tehran University of Medical Sciences before pursuing a PhD at the same university with Prof. Mirhendi, focusing on Dermatophytes molecular taxonomy and the effectiveness of the Beta-tubulin gene in identification. In recent years, he and his team have focused on antifungal susceptibility profiling, discovering new agents against resistant strains of yeast (Candida auris) and molds (Aspergillus and Fusarium), as well as resistance pathways.

Salim

Masoud

Clinical Microbiologist

Academia

Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

Tanzania

Research Interest
Fungal infections epidemiolgy and Antifungal susceptibility pattern

Current Research
Antimicrobial resistance on HIV and Bacteria

Salim S Masoud is a clinical microbiologist at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied sciences
(MUHAS) and head of Microbiology unit at Muhimbili National hospital in Tanzania.
I finished Medical Doctor Degree from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and study Msc Microbiology& Immunology at University of Nottingham United Kingdom and Masters of Medicine in Clinical Microbiology at MUHAS

My current research are on Antimicrobial resistance especially in Bacteria , Viruses and Fungus.

Julio

Silva

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Early Career)

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

As someone who trained in immuno-parasitology and subsequently as a mucosal immunologist, studying the mechanisms of how chronic fungal exposure drives fungal associated allergic inflammation in the lungs, I have always been interested in the Host Immune- Pathogen interface and how immune responses need to balance beneficial clearance of infectious threat against inappropriate inflammation which causes more harmful pathology to the host. I am particularly interested in the context of infections; how the impact of co-infection with different pathogens, or prior "infection history" at local tissue sites (such as the lungs) can dramatically impact host immune responses and the outcomes following pathogen exposure. Harnessing the knowledge gained by research into this dynamic interplay between microbe and host immune system, I believe will ultimately yield novel therapeutic strategies to treat infectious disease and will be a vital arm in combatting the growing threat of anti fungal/microbial resistance.

After graduating from the University of Manchester with BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science , I undertook a PhD at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, studying how immune responses (particularly from myeloid immune cells) to filarial helminth parasites are crucial both in controlling infection, but are also key contributors to the severe pathology associated with lymphatic filariasis and elephantiasis. I currently am undertaking a Post-Doctoral research fellowship at the MRC CMM University of Exeter in the Pete Cook lab, were I aim to unravel the immune mechanisms that drive fungal allergic inflammation and asthma, particularly in the context of chronic exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus spores. I consider myself an Immunologist, with interests on how the dynamic interplay between host immune responses and microbes are context dependant and can drive very different outcomes.

Marcio

Rodrigues

Principal investigator

Carlos Chagas Institute – Fiocruz

Brazil

Our group has been working on fungal physiology and cell biology for the last years. Our primary interest is fungal secretion, especially extracellular vesicles. We are also interested in discussing international collaboration mechanisms, reasonable policies for publication charges, raising funds for neglected diseases and using scientific metrics as a tool for decision making.

Marcio Rodrigues is a Senior Researcher at FIOCRUZ and Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He is a fellow of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Microbiology. Marcio serves as an editor for mBio and PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. He has authored approximately 200 peer-reviewed articles in the field of medical mycology. He coordinated the Advisory Committee for Microbiology and Parasitology of CNPq, Brazil, between 2019 and 2021 and co-founded the Pasteur Institute’s International Research Unit on “Fungal Extracellular Vesicles” at Fiocruz. Rodrigues serves as a mini-reviews editor at mBio, section editor (Mycology) at PLOS Neglected and Tropical Diseases, senior editor at IMA Fungus, and is on the editorial boards of several journals. He has been a Fulbright visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University and has received funding from prominent international agencies, including the NIH and the Wellcome Trust. Currently, he works at the General Coordination of the Inova Fiocruz Program and is a researcher at Fiocruz and professor at UFRJ. His research focuses on the cell surface architecture of fungal pathogens and the export of biomolecules through extracellular vesicles, aiming to develop antifungal drugs and prophylactic tools.

Prof.

Katrien

Lagrou

Departmental Chair, clinical microbiologist

Academia

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Belgium

Optimising diagnosis and treatment of in invasive aspergillosis/invasive fungal infections
Study of the co-pathogenesis of severe influenza and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Epidemiology and treatment of candidemia
Vaccine development (copromotor research project. MucorVax â€“ development of a first-in-class fungal vaccine candidate)

Katrien Lagrou is Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at the University Hospitals of Leuven (UZ Leuven), Chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) and coordinates the Belgian National Reference Center for Mycosis. She is full professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the KU Leuven. Professor Lagrou obtained her Masterâ€™s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Leuven in 1992, and remained there to specialise in Laboratory Medicine between 1992 and 1997. Afterwards, she received a degree in Mycology from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium and completed her PhD in 2002.

Professor Lagrouâ€™s main interest is the diagnosis and treatment of infections in severely immunocompromised patients, with a focus on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. She is chair of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Academy Committee. Professor Lagrou published her research in more than 350 manuscripts in peer reviewed journals.

Iuliana

Ene

Assistant Professor

Academia

Institut Pasteur

France

https://research.pasteur.fr/en/team/fungal-heterogeneity/

Professional appointments
2021-2024 CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar (Fungal Kingdom: Threats & Opportunities)
2019-2020 Assistant Professor (Research), Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Brown University
2017-2019 Investigator, Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Brown University
2013-2017 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Bennett Lab, Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Brown University (Graduate Women in Science Fellow)
Education
2012 Ph.D. Molecular Biology, Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen (Marie Curie Fellow)
2009 B.Sc. Biochemistry (Honors), B.A. Psychology, Brown University

Stefan

Bidula

Lecturer in Pharmacology

University of East Anglia

United Kingdom

Our laboratory is currently focused on understanding the contribution of non-canonical nucleic acid structures to fungal biology and the identification of novel antifungal targets.

https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/stefan-bidula

During my PhD in the School of Medicine (UEA) with Dr Silke Schelenz, I focused on understanding how soluble immune receptors found in the lungs and bloodstream could recognise and protect against pathogenic fungi. Following my PhD, I made the move north to sunny Aberdeen and under the guidance of Prof. Gordon Brown helped characterise the first receptor for melanin. Here, we found that this receptor was critical for antifungal immunity in humans and mice. I made a return to UEA in 2016 where I focused on characterising novel allosteric modulators of purinergic receptors and understanding their biological roles (Dr. Leanne Stokes and Prof. Samuel Fountain). I have since recently been appointed as Lecturer in Pharmacology in the School of Pharmacy at UEA where I will endeavour to understand how the human body detects and responds to invasion by fungal pathogens, identify novel drug targets to overcome antifungal resistance, and explore novel treatments for inflammatory disorders.

My experience is widely varied and encompasses host-microbe interactions, microbial genomics, nucleic acids biology, biophysics, drug discovery, cell death, cardiovascular biology, immune cell receptors, in-silico modelling, bioinformatics, and chemical biology.

Professor

Brayan

Bayona-Pacheco

Research Professor

Universidad del Norte

Colombia

My area of â€‹â€‹interest is microbiology, especially fungi and resistance.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/10/7/856
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-022-03745-4
https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/9/11/1115

Name: Brayan Leonardo Bayona Pacheco
Colombian nationality
Date and place of birth: 1984-01-02 – Colombia OCAÃ‘A
Gender: Male
Institution: Universidad del Norte. Barranquilla. Colombia.
Institutional email: bbayona@uninorte.edu.co

Academic training:
PhD: FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF RIO DE JANEIRO (UFRJ) Sciences (Microbiology)
February 2018 – February 2022
NEW SYNTHETIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AS POSSIBLE REVERSERS OF THE MULTI-DRUG RESISTANCE PHENOTYPE IN PATHOGENIC FUNGI

Master/Master: UNIVERSIDAD DEL NORTE FOUNDATION. Basic Biomedical Sciences
June 2008 – April 2013
STUDY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THYROID DISEASE AUTOIMMMUNITY MARKERS WITH THE MHC DRB1*/DQB1* POLYMORPHISM AND THE SNP rs2476601 OF THE PTPN22 GENETIC SYSTEM, IN A COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Undergraduate/University: UNIVERSITY OF PAMPLONA. Clinical laboratory
Bacteriology and Clinical Laboratory
February 2002 – September 2007

Prof

Cesar

Mota

Associate Professor

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Brazil

sanitation, wastewater-based epidemiology, biotechnology, water and wastewater treatment, One Health, anti fungal resistance

Dr. Cesar Mota is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Sanitary Engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil. He has a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering (North Carolina State University, USA, 2006), an MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering (University of Nevada, USA, 2001) and a BSc in Civil Engineering (Federal University of CearÃ¡, 1998). He coordinates the National Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Plants, the Brazilian Network for SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Sewage and the Brazilian Network for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Sewage. His research interests are in the area of water quality engineering, with emphasis on biotechnology for water and wastewater treatment, sustainable, low-cost water/wastewater treatment processes, valorisation of wastes, and the use of sewage surveillance as an epidemiological tool

Ph.D

Daniel de Assis

Santos

Professor

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Brasil

Antifungal resistance mechanisms in the One Health approach and Fungal-other pathogens coinfections.
List of publications at: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1108-5666

I have experience in Medical Microbiology, with expertise in studying drug resistance in the One Health perspective. The main hypothesis is that environmental antifungals may act as inducers of fungal resistance and influence fungal virulence. My previous projects demonstrated that agrochemicals, such as benomyl, tebuconazole, and pyraclostrobin, can induce cross resistance to the clinical antifungals in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus spp. Currently, I am conducting a series of projects in this field, with the aim to understand the impact and mechanisms of antifungal resistance in the environment, in the animals, and in human patients. Since I started independent research, I supervised more than 50 students and young PDs.

Professor

Janet

Quinn

Principal Investigator

University of Newcastle

United Kingdom

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/janetquinn.html

Jan Quinn is a Professor of Eukaryotic Microbiology at Newcastle University, UK. She obtained a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Wales, and a PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology from Newcastle University. It was only after her PhD that Jan started working with fungi with a postdoctoral fellowship at UMASS studying chromatin remodelling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and then a second postdoctoral position studying stress-signalling mechanisms in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In 2000, Jan was awarded an MRC Career Development Fellowship, which allowed her to develop her labâ€™s primary research focus – stress-sensing and signalling mechanisms in human pathogenic fungi. She studies a range of pathogenic Candida spp. and is particularly interested in the diverse mechanisms employed by fungal pathogens to survive innate immune defences and other hostile host environments. This spans diverse areas including MAPK signalling, redox biology, nutrient acquisition, and bacterial-imposed antifungal stresses. Her lab are motivated to exploit their knowledge of fungal stress-sensing and signalling mechanisms to identify small molecules that inhibit processes vital for virulence.

Sheikh

Jarju

Laboratory Manager

Academia

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Gambia

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sheikh-jarju-dvm-mvsc-99519325/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sheikh-Jarju-2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=jarju+sheikh

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sheikh-jarju-dvm-mvsc-99519325/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sheikh-Jarju-2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=jarju+sheikh
Veterinary Molecular Microbiologist; I hold a DVM and MSc (Microbiology) with more 13 years experience in Molecular Microbiology, Virology and Microbiology.

Previously worked as study coordinator in a WHO sponsored Pneumococcal Surveillance Network project for Invasive Bacterial Disease Surveillance (IBD Network). Our Network covers 9 countries in West Africa and 2 central African countries. I also coordinated day to day activities of the molecular microbiology lab from 2012 to 2015 and supervised a total number of 15 staff.

Worked as supervisor supporting clinical trials hosted by the Vaccines and Immunity theme, MRCG at LSHTM on molecular assays (mainly multiplex RT-PCRs to detect multiple respiratory viruses).

Currently supervising the COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostic (High Containment Lab) Laboratory, processing suspected cases of COVID-19 from the Clinical Services Department and coordinating all samples processing from various COVID-19 projects at MRCG@LSHTM.

Have been a key member in COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team of the MRCG@LSHTM since the onset.

professor

Carol

Munro

Chair of Microbiology

University of Aberdeen

My research investigates how fungal cell surface components contribute to virulence, host interactions and antifungal drug tolerance and resistance. My group applies a number of approaches to study factors that contribute to pathogenicity and fitness such as proteomics, functional genomics, genome sequencing, high throughput phenotypic analysis and uses a range of cellular and ex vivo infection models. We have compared the cell walls of drug sensitive and drug resistant clinical isolates and analysed how the cell wall changes in response to antifungal treatment and how this impacts on interactions with host cells.
With partners at the Scottish Biologics Facility I am developing novel biologics-based antifungal therapeutics that target the fungal cell surface with plans to spin out a company Brigid Biologics. We have developed monoclonal antibodies that recognise peptide epitopes of Candida albicans that are upregulated in response to antifungal therapy and in drug resistant isolates. The mAbs are protective in a mouse model of systemic infection. The mAbs also recognise drug resistant isolates of Candida auris, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis and have enhanced binding in co-therapy with current antifungals.
Profile page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/c.a.munro

Carol Munro has a personal chair in Microbiology at the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen and is leader of the Microbiology & Immunity Research Theme. Carol is part of the Aberdeen Fungal Group and has over 25 years research experience investigating human fungal pathogens. Her research focusses on how fungal cell surface components contribute to virulence, host interactions, antifungal drug tolerance and resistance. Her research initially focussed on studying cell wall chitin synthesis and glycosylation, dissecting at the molecular level contributions of specific genes to cell wall synthesis. More recently she has focussed on the cell wall proteome, gaining an understanding of how the cell surface is altered in response to antifungal therapies. She has also generated genome-wide molecular resources Candida albicans ORFeome and overexpression mutant libraries. Prof Munro has worked with a number of anti-infectives companies through industrial-funded studentships, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and fees-for-service contracts. Carol, with partners at the Scottish Biologics Facility, has developed novel biologics-based antifungal therapeutics that target the fungal cell wall. The team has received funding from Scottish Enterprise for pre-clinical development of the antifungal antibodies as Brigid Biologics (pre-spin out).

Tessa

Cornell

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Liverpool

United Kingdom

Main research interests are: (1) infectious disease epidemiology at human-animal-environment interfaces; (2) animal disease impact on human health and livelihoods; and (3) research translation into actionable context-specific policy to facilitate capacity building at the community level, and achieve equitable and sustainable outcomes. My research embraces community engagement and One Health approaches.

Postdoctoral researcher and veterinarian exploring One Health awareness, interpretation and prioritisation amongst national stakeholders in The Gambia. PhD research examined Histoplasma fungal species at the human-animal-environment interface in community settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Led multiple observational studies to explore the burden of Histoplasma in human and equid populations.

Special interests are: infectious disease epidemiology at human-animal-environment interfaces; animal disease impact on human health and livelihoods; and research translation into actionable context-specific policy to facilitate capacity building at the community level, and achieve equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Professor Dr.

Kai

Dallmeier

Research Associate Professor, Principal Investigator

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Belgium

Vaccine discovery using YF17D vector platform (PMID: 38571392) to develop vaccines for emerging infections (e.g. respiratory infections PMID: 33260195) and NTD and studies of pathogenesis and mechanism of action in animal models (PMID: 33203860). Infections with pathogenic fungi considered as co-infections such as COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM), studied in preclinical animal models.

Short Bio
Kai Dallmeier, PhD, is Associate Professor of Virology at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium, and leading the Molecular Vaccinology & Vaccine Discovery (MVVD) group at the KU Leuven Rega Institute. In a multidisciplinary approach and using the live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine as platform, he and his team develop vaccines for emerging infections (such as Zika, Ebola and COVID-19) as well as therapeutic vaccines (for instance for chronic hepatitis B). Thermostable and easy to manufacture plasmid-launched versions thereof aim to tackle vaccine shortage and unmet public health needs faced particularly by people living in LMIC. For deeper mechanistic insight in virus replication and virus-induced disease, this translational work on vaccines is complemented by the study of viral infections in a range of cell culture and animal models, e.g. by introduction of the hamster model of COVID-19 immune pathogenesis that is now widely used for the preclinical assessment of antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Dr. Kai Dallmeier studied Microbiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Bremen, Germany and obtained a PhD in Molecular Virology from the University of Freiburg, Germany.

Marc

Twagirumukiza

Professor of Medicine

Ghent University

Belgium

Current staff profile page: https://biblio.ugent.be/person/802000810287
Research interests include: Health data sciences, Federated Data Natworks -Applied to the LMICs settings on infectious and poverty-related diseases, as well as emerging non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular and oncology diseases.

I am a Belgian medical doctor and clinical pharmacologist with a PhD from Ghent University, Belgium (2010), originally from Rwanda, Africa. My career spans over 20 years in academia and over 10 years in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with extensive experience in end-to-end drug clinical development.

As a university hospital practitioner, I have over five years of experience as an internist physician, providing comprehensive care in internal medicine while engaging in clinical research and medical education. In the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, I have more than a decade of experience managing the entire clinical development process across all phases (Phase I-IV) and therapeutic areas.

In academia, I have been a guest professor at Ghent University for over 10 years, conducting basic and clinical research, teaching, and mentoring students. My areas of expertise include innovation in therapeutic areas, health data platforms using AI and other data science techniques to generate insights, data harmonization, and clinical collaborative studies. I focus on low- and middle-income countries, contributing to the fight against infectious and poverty-related diseases, as well as emerging non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular and oncology diseases.

Prof Dr

Claude

Mambo Muvunyi

Director General

Rwanda Biomedical Centre

Rwanda

https://rbc.gov.rw/index.php?id=663

Prof. Claude Mambo MUVUNYI is the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre. He has more than 10 years of technical, managerial, and strategic experience and expertise in the field of clinical and public laboratory medicine with special focus on clinical microbiology, laboratory systems and service strengthening, and global health security. Prof. Claude Mambo MUVUNYI is currently a full professor of clinical Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine. He holds a degree in general medicine from the university of Rwanda, a specialization and a PhD in Clinical Microbiology from the University of Ghent, Belgium. He also holds a master's in medical Virology from the University of Manchester. Prior to joining the RBC, Prof. Claude Mambo MUVUNYI was a Senior Regional Laboratory Advisor at ICAP at Columbia University, providing technical and strategic leadership support to the Laboratory program/project in building quality assured diagnostic capacities at all levels in the network (public and private health laboratories) of countries in Africa, South and Central Asia, and central America. He has also been a senior consultant for World Health Organization (WHO) supporting WHOâ€™s programs for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance and diagnostic capacity building in African countries.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

KONDO FULGENCE

KASSI

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, biologist in parasitology and mycology unit

Center for Diagnostic and Research on AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases (CeDReS)

COTE D'IVOIRE

1. Advanced diagnostic techniques

2. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

3. Drug Discovery

4. Epidemiology of parasitic diseases

5. Innovative treatment and control strategies

6. Bioinformatics of parasite genomes

Iâ€™m KASSI KONDO FULGENCE, Pharm D, PhD, Ivoirian, 45 years old, married with one children. Iâ€™m associate Professor at University of FHB, Abidjan (CÃ´te dâ€™Ivoire). Iâ€™m also Pharmacist biologist at Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory of Centre of diagnosis and research on AIDS and opportunist diseases (CeDReS, CHU Treichville, Abidjan, CÃ´te dâ€™Ivoire).
This department is developing three research themes relating to malaria, neglected tropical parasitoses and mycoses. With this in mind, we have had the opportunity to take part in a number of research projects on various parasitic and mycotic diseases.
Specifically, I am working on two areas of research:Our Departement works on differents topics :
â€¢ Molecular Epidemiology of Candida and Cryptococcus
â€¢ Molecular Epidemiology of intestinal parasites
The next step will be to discover
â€¢ Immuno-diagnostics of Parasitic Infections
â€¢ Bioinformatics of parasite genomes

This opportunity that you are offering me will enable me to develop a partnership and be part of a network to better advance my research activities.

PhD

Tatchémè Filémon

TOKPONNON

Resercher-Trainer

Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC)

Benin

TatchÃ©mÃ¨ FilÃ©mon TOKPONNON | LinkedIn

Lecturer-Researcher at EPAC/UAC, Researcher at the Cotonou Entomological Research Center, Medical Entomologist, Parasitologist, Specialist in Climate Change and Health, One Health Specialist.

General Microbiology and Vector Ecology, Specialist in Evaluations of Control Interventions and Strategic and Environmental Planning.
Distinguished as a National Icon in the fight against malaria in 2023.

Trainer for the WHO International Course in Planning and Management of Malaria Control Programs in French-speaking African countries. As a Trainer for the CREC regional course in Public Health entomology, I have on several occasions trained actors in the health system on guidelines and policies for implementing interventions
I’m a member of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), the Vector Control Working Groups, the West African Society of Parasitology (SOAP), the Beninese Society of Parasitology-Mycology (SOBEPAM), the Entomological Society of the Republic of Benin (SERB), the Beninese Mosquito Control Association (ABLM) and the Association of Medical Biotechnologists of Benin (ABM-Benin).
Animator of development associations, civil society, and families

Ph. D. chemistry

Camilo Andres

Mahecha mahecha

Research Professional

Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas

Colombia

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=4lBfScgAAAAJ
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Camilo-Mahecha-Mahecha

Dr. Camilo Mahecha Machecha obtained his bachelor's degree from the District University of BogotÃ¡ in 2006. He later obtained a Master's degree in Sciences-biology in the area of Chemistry Natural Products from the Javeriana University, where he studied the antibacterial activity of essential oils obtained from Siparuna sessiliflora.
In 2016, he began his Ph.D. at the University of Los Andes under the supervision of Dr. Diego Gamba-SÃ¡nchez, focusing on the synthesis and functionalization of (hetero)arenes through palladium-catalyzed reactions and the reduction of sulfoxides. His research aimed to obtain 2-alkylbenzofurans and other biologically significant molecules.
In 2019, he completed an internship at the University of Poitiers, under the direction of Dr. FrÃ©dÃ©ric LecornuÃ© and Dr. SÃ©bastien Thibaudeau. There he worked on the development of a new synthesis route for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In 2022, he obtained his PhD in Science-Chemistry

Fernanda

Machado Fonseca

Assistant Professor

Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro

Brazil

Infectious diseases with focus on fungal diseases. Study of new alternative treatment of fungal infections, as the association of nanoparticles with antifungal with the aim to decrease the toxicity of a long term treatment. Study and prediction of new vaccines and drug targets against fungal.

Fernanda M. Fonseca is a biomedical and has a PhD in Health Sciences from the Federal University of TriÃ¢ngulo Mineiro. As a professor and researcher, the main interests of her research group include fungal diseases, the study of nanoparticles as an alternative form of treatment for fungal diseases, and molecular epidemiology of pathogenic fungal.

Esteban

Vanegas-Duarte

Chief of research in Population Health

Fundación Santa fe de Bogotá

Colombia

My main research interests are communicable diseases and climate change. I lead the antimicrobial resistance research group at the Fundación Santa fe de Bogotá. I have broad interest in the impact that climate change is generating on the behavior of events such as AMR and tropical diseases. I coordinate a research project that seeks to understand the biomarkers of germs that facilitate their transmission in wastewater. All my projects have a One health focus.

My profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esteban-vanegas-duarte-6433351b7/

I am a doctor, master in epidemiology and master in public health. I am an Early Stage Investigator (ESI). I work on climate change and communicable diseases. I am the research leader in Population Health at Fundación Santa fe de Bogotá, which is the most important hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. My research projects impact vulnerable communities in more than 5 regions of Colombia.

Dra.

Juliana

Quintero-Espinosa

Director of research and action of Population Health

Fundación Santa fe de Bogotá

Colombia

I am a Medical Doctor and Epidemiologist with a passion for unraveling the complexities of infectious diseases, particularly in middle-income countries, with a PhD in the control of infectious diseases, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience in research on Arbovirosis. My journey in healthcare and research has been defined by a commitment to advancing our understanding of Arbovirosis. My expertise spans the realms of epidemiology, infectious disease control, and the application of interdisciplinary approaches such as One Health and EcoHealth.

Skills:
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Project Management
One Health and EcoHealth
Research in Middle-Income Countries
Teaching and Mentorship

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-quintero-espinosa-md-aa377782/?originalSubdomain=co

I am a Medical Doctor and Epidemiologist with a passion for unraveling the complexities of infectious diseases, particularly in middle-income countries, with a PhD in the control of infectious diseases. I have actively contributed to the academic sphere through teaching roles. I have successfully led and contributed to projects that demand a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic planning.My work in One Health and EcoHealth underscores my commitment to holistic strategies that consider the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Associate professor

Justin

Beardsley

Clinical academic

University of Sydney

Australia

https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/justin-beardsley.html

Dr Beardsley is an infectious disease specialist, fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and clinical researcher. He completed his PhD through the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Ho Chi Minh City, focussed on fungal infections. He conducted a multi-national randomised clinical trial into adjunctive steroid therapy for Cryptococcal Meningitis in South East Asia and Africa (Beardlsey et al, NEJM 2016). His other core research focussed on epidemiology of fungal infections, immune responses in Cryptococcal Meningitis, pharmacokinetics of anti-fungal drugs in the central nervous system, and temporal trends in cryptococcal drug susceptibility. He was involved in several other clinical trials in Cryptococcal Meningitis and hepatitis C, and is a co-author on the Lancet Global Burden of Disease series in his capacity as GBD specialist on Vietnam and HIV. Since his appointment at the University of Sydney Infecitous Disease Institute he has continued his research into infectious diseases inlcuding fungal infections, tuberculosis and AMR. He has a particular interest in reducing the impact of these chronic conditions in resource-limited settings, as a means of impacting global inequalities. He works on the emergence of antifungal resistance, and the one health / climate change drivers of this phenomenon.

Tra-My

Duong-Nu

Microbiological Lab Lead

The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute

Vietnam

â€¢ Antimicrobial resistance in fungal and bacterial pathogens
â€¢ Evolution and implementation of One Health to control the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in the perspectives of developing countries

Dr. Duong Nu Tra My is a distinguished senior scientist with over a decade of experience in microbiology, mycology, and laboratory management. She earned her doctoral degree in Molecular Medicine from Chonnam National University, Korea, in 2017 with a focus on dissecting the molecular biology of Vibrio vulnificus virulence genes. Thereafter, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit â€“ HCMC for 3 years. From 2021, Dr. Tra My has led the mycological lab for the Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) project at Woolcock Institute of Medical Research (from 2021 to 2024) and The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (from 2024 to present), focusing on invasive fungal infections, antifungal resistance, and stewardship. Her main research interests include invasive fungal infections, antifungal resistance and antifungal stewardship. She has extensively published a number of papers in peer-reviewd academic journals in the fields of bacteria and fungi.

MISS

NURIA

TREVIJANO CONTADOR

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)

SPAIN

Since the beginning of my scientific career, I have been dedicated to microbiology and especially to
the biology of fungi that cause disease in humans. Throughout these years, I have participated in
different research projects at different stages of my career. The first project in which I participated as
a researcher was â€œAmphores. Evaluation of the induction of oxidative damage by Amphotericin B in
susceptible and resistant yeast speciesâ€ in 2011-2012. A project financed by the company GILEAD and
carried out at the National Center for Microbiology. As a result, I am the second author of the article
published in the Journal Antimicrob Agents Chemotherapy (Q1) (doi: 10.1128/AAC.03570-14). At the
end of 2012, I obtained a four-year PhD fellowship (BES-2012-051837) from the Ministry of Economy
and Competitiveness (Spanish Government) to conduct my PhD in the Mycology Reference
Laboratory, National Centre of Microbiology. I was working in the Project â€œIdentificaciÃ³n de los
mecanismos moleculares involucrados en la morfogÃ©nesis de Cryptococcus neoformans y estudio de
su funciÃ³n durante la infecciÃ³nâ€ as a PhD student, 2012-2016. One of the most outstanding
achievements of this stage is that I was able to define for the first time an induction medium for the
formation of Titan cells in vitro (published as first author in Plos Pathogen Journal, D1). I published a
total of 9 manuscripts, 4 of which as first autor in high impact. I obtained two fellowships from the
Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness to carry out short stays in two international laboratories.
In 2017, I defended my Doctoral Thesis obtaining the maximum qualification of â€œSobresaliente cum
laudeâ€. I moved to United States to the Institution Albert Einstein College of Medicine and I
participated in two NIH-funded projects as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Dra Liise-anne Pirofski.
The first one â€œDetermination of the role that naturally occurring IgM plays in resistance to
Cryptococcus neoformans. 2017-2018. And a second project from 2018 to 2020, although we
continue collaborating to this day titled â€œAntibody and B cell responses to Cryptococcus neoformans
in patients at high and low risk and with cryptococcal diseaseâ€. Derived from my work in this period, I
published 5 manuscripts in high impact journals (2 research articles as first author and 3 reviews in
which in 2 of them I was invited to write as a correspondence author). Besides, I contributed to other
collaborations in the laboratory, which resulted in co-authorship in one more review and a book
chapter.
In 2020, I got a prestigious fellowship called â€œAyudas destinadas a la atracciÃ³n de Talento
Investigador modalidad 2, de la Comunidad de Madrid (2019-T2/BMD-14926)â€ to allow promising
researchers at the beginning of their career to establish their own group in the future and make the
transition to independence. Since June 2020, I joined the group of Dr. Ã“scar Zaragoza as a junior
scientific researcher. During my second postdoctoral stage, I have participed in different projects,
mainly the project that I lead â€œImmune response during invasive fungal infections and development of
new therapeutic strategiesâ€ 2020-2024 (Comunidad de Madrid). In addition, I have also participated
as a research staff with different PI in other projects such as â€œMecanismos de adaptaciÃ³n de la
levadura patÃ³gena Cryptococcus neoformans al pulmÃ³nâ€ (MINECO) with Dr. Ã“scar Zaragoza.
â€œBuscando los rasgos genÃ©ticos de la resistencia de Aspergilllus fumigatus a los azoles para preservar
la eficacia de los azoles: un enfoque de salud global.â€(AESI, ISCIII) with Dra. Emilia Mellado Terrado.
Finally, I participed in the project â€œDevelopment of Novel antimycotitcs to treat drug resistant fungal
infections in leukemia patientsâ€ with Dr. Ignacio Garcia Llorente of Norwegian Institute of Public
Health. During this last stage of my careerI have published 5 manuscripts (two as a corresponding
author). In addition, I am a Master's professor at 3 different universities and I have attended
conferences in recent years as an invited speaker. Regarding this stage, I would like to highlight my
participation and the importance of my role in the characterization of Fluconazole and Voriconazole-
resistant isolates of Candida parapsilosis of hospitals in Spain. This has also been key in leading me to
want to deepen the study of emerging multiresistant species of Candida from a new perspective.

In 2017, I defended my Doctoral Thesis obtaining the maximum qualification of â€œSobresaliente cum laudeâ€. I moved to United States to the Institution Albert Einstein College of Medicine and I participated in two NIH-funded projects as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Dra Liise-anne Pirofski. The first one â€œDetermination of the role that naturally occurring IgM plays in resistance to Cryptococcus neoformansIn 2020, I got a prestigious fellowship called â€œAyudas destinadas a la atracciÃ³n de Talento Investigador modalidad 2, de la Comunidad de Madrid (2019-T2/BMD-14926)â€ to allow promising researchers at the beginning of their career to establish their own group in the future and make the transition to independence. Since June 2020, I joined the group of Dr. Ã“scar Zaragoza as a junior scientific researcher. At this point I had the opportunity to work with Laura Alcazar and Oscar Zaragoza in different outbreaks of Candida parapsilosis resistant to azalea in hospitals in Spain. After that work I have special interest in EVs as a MDR biomarkers for diagnosis in emergent multi resistant Candida app such as Candida auras and Candida parapsilosis

Nalu

Peres

Professor

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Brazil

Medical mycology, fungi-host interactions, pathogenesis of fungal diseases, antifungal response and resistance. Gene expression and regulation.

â€‹https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nalu-Peres
I have experience in microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology. Currently, I am collaborating and conducting projects aiming to understand the mechanisms of antifungal resistance and pathogenicity in yeasts, dermatophytes, and Sporothrix spp, and regulation of cellular plasticity in Cryptococcus.

Adamu

Almustapha Aliero

Lecture

Kebbi State University of Science and Technology

Nigeria

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PgM9MHYAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adamu-Aliero

https://www.adscientificindex.com/scientist/adamu-almustapha-aliero/4310610

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PgM9MHYAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adamu-Aliero

https://www.adscientificindex.com/scientist/adamu-almustapha-aliero/4310610
Adamu Almustapha Aliero (PhD) currently works at the Department of Microbiology Faculty of Life Sciences, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria. Adamu does research in Mycology and Microbiology.

Sadri

ZNAIDI

Group leader

Institut Pasteur de Tunis

Tunisia

https://research.pasteur.fr/en/member/sadri-znaidi/

Dr. Sadri ZNAIDI is a biochemist (B.Sc., M.Sc. from the University of Sherbrooke, Canada) and molecular biologist (Ph.D., from the University of Montreal, Canada), with expertise in yeast genetics and functional genomics. He is currently a RIIP (Institut Pasteur International Network) Affiliate Program Fellow, with affiliations at the Institut Pasteur in Tunis and Paris. His current work focuses on the implementation of systems biology-oriented approaches to identify and characterize components of the biological circuitry involved in the interaction of Candida species with the host environment.

Dr.

Angel

Gonzalez

Full Professor

Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

Medical mycology
Immunology of fungal infections
Antifungal Resistance
Animal models

Angel Gonzalez is a Full professor in the School of Microbiology at Universidad de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia. He has more than 20 years of experience working in medical mycology. He is a Bacteriologist from the Universidad de Antioquia with a Master and a PhD degree in Biomedical Science with emphasis in Immunology from the same University, and a postdoc in Medical Mycology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Currently, he is the coordinator of the Basic and Applied Microbiology Research Group and leads and participates in different projects aimed to understand diverse aspects of various mycoses of public health importance, mainly host-fungal interactions. During his scientific career, he has published more than 60 papers and more than 20 book chapters on medical mycology, mainly on systemic and endemic mycoses and their fungal pathogen agents.

Dr.

Nuttapon

Pombubpa

Principle investigator

Chulalongkorn University

Thailand

Our lab research focuses on agricultural microbiome, environmental microbiome, microbial ecology, and fungal diversity. As an agriculture-based country, the development of Thailandâ€™s microbiome research, especially in aquatic and soil ecosystems, will be important to increase the impact of our agricultural and environmental microbiome research on both regional and global scales. Therefore, our lab aims to use atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial microbiome data in Thailand to answer important questions in the research areas mentioned above. Our recent study on fungal pathogens in northeast Thailandâ€™s agricultural areas provides essential data on fungal communities and underscores the need for vigilance among farmers, emphasizing the importance of confirming fungal pathogenicity within the one health framework to make better-informed decisions to manage and mitigate exposure.

https://natpombubpa-lab.github.io/

Nuttapon (Nat) Pombubpa is a lecturer and principal investigator in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. He earned his Ph.D. in the laboratory of Professor Jason E. Stajich at the University of California, Riverside, in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology. Natâ€™s research interests span dryland and biological soil crust microbial diversity, desert fungal diversity, and agricultural and environmental microbiome research. He employs next-generation amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and culturing techniques to explore microbial communities. One of his primary research focuses is on WHO Fungal Pathogen Priority List (FPPL) pathogens in agricultural fields in Thailand, an area often neglected due to limited government funding. His recent findings highlight the risk posed by WHO FPPL pathogens in certain Thai locations, necessitating further investigation. This research aligns with the goals of FAILSAFE's Fungal Antimicrobial Resistance Innovations for Low & Middle Income Countries, emphasizing the importance of addressing fungal pathogen risks in agriculture. Natâ€™s work provides essential data for better management and mitigation strategies. He believes that his team would be valuable collaborators for projects focused on fungal diversity and antimicrobial resistance.

Professor

Claude Mambo

Muvunyi

Professor of clinical Microbiology and Director General

Rwanda Biomedical Centre

Rwanda

My research interests include understating the resistance mechanics in microbial infection and evaluation of diagnostic methods (molecular and serological) for infectious diseases as well as operational research on diagnostic implementation and scale up to assess the impact of the new diagnostic for infectious diseases. I am PI, RBC and University of Rwanda of several research grants. Most recently, I have been extensively working on AMR including a) NIH funded grant on combating AMR using data; and b) Pfizer grant on Implementing an Intervention Program for AMR Testing and Stewardship to Improve Hospitalized Patientsâ€™ Health Outcomes at two teaching and referral hospitals in Rwanda.

I am the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre. I have more than 15 years of technical, managerial, and strategic experience and expertise in the field of clinical and public laboratory medicine with special focus on clinical microbiology, laboratory systems and service strengthening, and global health security. I am currently a full professor of clinical Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine. I hold a degree in general medicine from the university of Rwanda, a specialization and a PhD in Clinical Microbiology from the University of Ghent, Belgium. I also hold a masterâ€™s in medical Virology from the University of Manchester. Prior to joining the RBC, I was a Senior Regional Laboratory Advisor at ICAP at Columbia University, providing technical and strategic leadership support to the Laboratory program/project in building quality assured diagnostic capacities at all levels in the network (public and private health laboratories). I have also been a senior consultant for World Health Organization (WHO) supporting WHOâ€™s programs for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance and diagnostic capacity building for infectious disease in African countries. I have been the Head of National reference Laboratory, and the Director of Microbiology unit.

Dr.

Lysangela

Alves

Principal investigator

Carlos Chagas Institute – Fiocruz

Brazil

My research areas encompass RNA biology, molecular mycology, and extracellular vesicles. I specifically study antimicrobial responses and gene expression modulation during infections using Candida auris as a model organism. My expertise extends to microbiology and molecular biology techniques, RNA-seq, small RNA-seq, extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization, and transcriptomics and proteomics data analysis.
https://www.icc.fiocruz.br/labreg/ (Portuguese)

I am a biologist with a degree from UFPR (2004), a Master's in Biochemistry from UFPR (2006), and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology (2010). Since 2012, I have been a public health researcher at Fiocruz PR (Instituto Carlos Chagas ICC) and a professor in the Postgraduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology at ICC. My current research covers RNA biology, molecular mycology, and extracellular vesicles, focusing on antimicrobial responses and modulation of gene expression during infections with pathogenic fungi such as Candida auris and Cryptococcus spp. I have expertise in microbiology and molecular biology, RNA-seq, isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles, and transcriptomic and proteomic data analysis. I am the editor of the mycology section at the Journal of Medical Microbiology and an associate editor for Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Journal of Extracellular Biology, and BMC Microbiology. I also have experience as a reviewer for various research funding organizations, such as CNPq, UKRI, Medical and Research Council, European Science Foundation, NWO, and RGC of Hong Kong, evaluating proposals in parasitology, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Dr.

Chau Ngoc

Tran

Univeristy Lecturer

Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

I am interested in research on the synthesis of small-size substances with to aim at the mechanism of restoring the sensitivity of some drugs to on resistant strains (antibiotics or anti-Candida drugs).

Ngoc Chau Tran was born in 1982 at Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam. He received his Pharmacist Degree from University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City in 2005. He then joined STADA-VN Joint Venture Co., Ltd. where he worked in the R&D department. One year later, Chau went on to pursue his Master of Science in Pharmacy at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University in 2007. Under the direction of Professor Roland Barret, he worked for two years in department of medicinal chemistry at Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences – Lyon as a research assistant. In 2009, Chau came back to University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city as a lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry . In 2012, Chau became a PhD candidate at University Lille 2 under the guidance of Professor Nicolas Willand and Assoc. Prof. Le Minh Tri and obtained his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry in 2015. Until now, Chau continues as university lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry at University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6959-7066)

David

Neglo

Research Fellow/ Demonstrator and Principal PhD Research Assistant

University of Cape Coast

Ghana

Current research interest include the bioassay-guided isolation and characterization of plant products with antifungal properties against he growing prevalence of Vulvovaginal candidiasis and invasive candidiasis with efforts involving the use of metabolic flux analysis (MFA) and metabolomics as tools to provide valuable insights into the real-time metabolic adjustments during Candida infection.
Other academic research interest include: Development of molecular markers for cancer diagnostics, Infectious diseases and gene expression profiling, Therapeutic potential of some local plants on diabetic wounds , Isolation and characterization of bacterial population in pesticide contaminated soil from vegetable farms, Investigating the effect of some plants in bed bug management and control, Green synthesis of bioactive metal nanoparticles from plant and microbial products against the treatment of recurrent infection and Formulation of Skin care products containing anti-infective herbal products

David Neglo currently works at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). David holds Bsc. Biological sciences and masters in Biotechnology.He is a Research Fellow and Microbial Analysis Coordinator at Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine as well as a PhD candidate in molecular biology and Biotechnology acting as Demonstrator/research assistant at University of Cape Coast. Over the years, I have acquired skills in anti-infective drugs discovery with their related metabolisms employing efficient delivery systems like use of nanoparticles (nanomedicine) focusing on overcoming resistance of recurrent diseases in Ghana by molecular microbiology techniques. Experience wise, I have worked as a principal research Scientist in my university and for Scottish west African group to fight antimicrobial resistance; been a publisher of 18 research articles as well as a book chapter and a reviewer for journals combined with supervision of students of my university, I hope to be considered for
this opportunity and be resourceful

Dr.

Ana Maria

Garcia Cepero

Researcher/teacher

Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

Microbiolology
Mycology
Antimicrobial resistance
Biotechnology
Biologic drugs

Microbiologist, Master in Biochemistry and Doctor in Medical Sciences Microbiology Area, with experience in the formulation, approach, development and management of basic and applied research projects in health and biotechnology areas. University professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. With basic and experience formation in the managing of laboratory techniques in the areas of microbiology (identification, management, cultivation and conservation of fungi and bacteria). Laboratory experience in molecular biology and biotechnology including techniques for obtaining nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, plasmids) and proteins from biological samples and microorganisms; Electrophoresis techniques for visualization of nucleic acids and proteins; Spectrophotometric evaluation of nucleic acids and proteins; Complementary DNA synthesis (CDNA); cloning and expression of genes; prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotes (fungi) cell transformation; construction of expression and EST libraries; Polymerase chain reaction development (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction in real time (QPCR). Basic knowledge of bioinformatic tools for purifying sequences, similarity analysis and design of initiators (Clustal, Blast, Finchtv, Geneious, Primer 3) and in search and analysis of genomic databases and proteins such as Drugbank, Genbank, Embl or Broad Institute. Experience in the development of biotechnological products with application in the pharmaceutical industry. Experience antimicrobial activity evaluation of finished pharmaceutical, personal, toilet products and its active

Dr.

Jochem

Buil

Clinical Microbiologist

Radboud University of Nijmegen

Netherlands

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4031-0778,
– diagnostics
– antifungal susceptibility testing
– combination therapy

Jochem Buil is a clinical microbiologist at Radboudumc in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, where he heads the clinical mycology laboratory. He is an expert in antifungal susceptibility testing and mechanisms of antifungal resistance. His research focuses on the diagnostics and management of both common and rare mycoses, encompassing invasive and superficial infections.
His primary goal is to pioneer new and advanced high-tech diagnostic assays for screening and diagnosis of (invasive) fungal infections. Futhurmore. he is dedicated to developing user-friendly essential tests that can be effectively implemented in (resource-limited) clinical settings.

Alessandra

da Silva Dantas

Lecturer

University of Newcastle

United Kingdom

My lab is interested in determining how ageing heighten stress tolerance in pathogenic yeasts. We know that in most organisms, failure to respond to stress is linked to aging and age-related diseases. I have discovered the existence of a paradoxical phenomenon in the pathogenic yeast C. albicans, whereby replicative ageing results in cells that are more resistant to several environmental stress. For example, ageing of individual C. albicans cells enables them (and their offspring) to avoid immune surveillance and survive phagocytic killing. We are now trying to determine the mechanistic basis on how C. albicans exploits the ageing process to overcome extreme stresses posed in the mammalian niche and to drive antifungal drug resistance.

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/dental/people/profile/alessandrada-silva-dantas1.html

I am a cellular and molecular biologist interested in the molecular mechanisms driving fungal adaptation to their environment. I started my career at the Universidade de Brasilia (Prof. MSS Felipe) where we were interested in unpicking the mechanisms by which Paracoccidioides brasiliensis respond to stress. Following my masters, I moved to Newcastle University to start my PhD in oxidative stress responses in Candida albicans (Prof. Janet Quinn). This was followed by an early career fellowship at Universidade do Estate do Rio de Janeiro and a 6-year postdoctoral position at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (Prof. N Gow). I started my own group in at the end of 2022 at Newcastle University, where and now we are exploring how ageing makes fungal pathogens more resistant to stress. My current research programme is based many of the expertises acquired during my training: stress responses and cell wall of fungal pathogens, antifungal drug resistance, host-pathogen interaction.

Hiram

Villanueva-Lozano

Head of Infectious Diseases Service

ISSSTE Regional Hospital Monterrey

Mexico

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

Molecular epidemiology of fungal infections
Antifungal resistance epidemiology and mechanisms.
Antifungal therapeutics
Repurposing of drugs
Invasive fungal infections diagnosis.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hiram-Villanueva-Lozano

Dr.

Rogelio de J.

Treviño-Rangel

Head of Microbiology Department

Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Mexico

Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Virulence factors

My principal scientific interests are molecular epidemiology of fungal diseases, fungi virulence, antifungal susceptibility testing of new compounds, and animal models of experimental fungal infections. I am the current Vice President of the Mexican Association of Medical Mycology, A.C.

Pharmacist graduated from the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the Autonomous University of Nuevo LeÃ³n (U.A.N.L.), first generation place. Later he obtained the degree of Master of Science with a specialty in Medical Microbiology, a title obtained with honorable mention by the Faculty of Medicine of the U.A.N.L. At that same institution, he later graduated from the Doctorate of Science program with a focus on Medical Microbiology, obtaining the highest academic distinction Summa Cum Laude. He has completed three stays with a focus on research: at the 'Laboratory of Mycology Research' (University of Texas in Houston, USA), at the 'Fungus Testing Lab' (University of Texas at San Antonio, USA) and at the 'Laboratoire de Mycologie MÃ©dicale' (Pasteur Institute in Paris, France). He has taken multiple Diplomas in health sciences, the most recent: â€œEpidemiological surveillanceâ€ (National Institute of Public Health, I.N.S.P.), â€œRegulation and health risksâ€ (I.N.S.P.) and â€œHospital epidemiology and control of infections associated with healthcare healthâ€ (National Autonomous University of Mexico).

Dr.

Rafael

Franco

Biomedical Research Subdirector

Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra

MEXICO

Infections in two special populations, burned patients and musculoskeletal, specifically demographic and anti fungal resistance.

Studies: Medical Doctor (UNAM) 1997-2004; Internal Medicine (UNAM), 2004-2008; Infectious Diseases (UNAM) , 2008-2010 Master of Medical Sciences (UNAM) 2011-2013; Master Medical Microbiology, LSHTM, London, UK 2014-2015. Interinstitutional System of Researchers (Mexico) (SII) Category D Validity, 2024-2027; National System of Researchers (Mexico) (SNI) Category I Validity 2023-2027.
Positions and Employment: March 2010 â€“ February 2022 Infectious Disease Chief Department, INRLGII, Mexico City, Mexico. March 2022 â€“ Today Biomedical Research Subdirector, INRLGII, Mexico City, Mexico.
Planning and Organizing: coordinate and lead meetings with hospital directors, chiefs of departments and physicians regarding hospital acquired infections, multidrug resistant bacteria, hospital stockpiles and resources needed for IV-therapy and vaccination. Coordinate the biosafety program and COVID-19 planning. Education: Coordinator of different specialties classes'. Professor of the infectious diseases fellowship of INCan. Leadership and Results Orientation: Coordinator of the IV-therapy. Coordinator for the training nurses and doctors in the implementation of best practices using an active surveillance and bundle prevention program. Research and Communication: responsible for the submission of student and institute research proposals and development of research studies.

Hairil Rashmizal

Abdul Razak

Senior lecturer

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

My area of expertise is mainly on the functional imaging particularly for positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). During my PhD study, I worked on the detection of extrapulmonary tuberculosis using PET/CT in which we managed to demonstrate high avidity of radiotracer uptake on tuberculous lesions. We believed this image appearance could help in differentiating between active and non-active tuberculous lesions which again may possibly be translated into a real clinical practice on the treatment management of tuberculosis patients. Being a Malaysian, I would say that I have a strong relation with the medical team over there which I believe could benefit to this team. Here is the link of my staff profile: https://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/people/profile/index.php?web_id=Hairil_Razak

Dr. Hairil is a medical imaging expert in the field of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT). His research delves into optimising imaging protocols, enhancing image quality, and exploring novel radiotracers. All these areas could provide towards better disease diagnosis and treatment management.

Dr.

Angela

Lopez

Postdoctoral Researcher

Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Colombia

Colombia

Antifungal resistance in Aspergillus species can be driven by long-term exposure to azoles in clinical therapy or the use of fungicide in agricultural practices, as well some species present an inherent resistance to the molecules available to treat fungal human infections.
Whereby, my primary research interest is the identification of the different Aspergillus species circulating in local aerobiome and their resistance mechanism, all this through the combination of traditional microbiology techniques, molecular biology tools, genomics and gene expression analysis.
In the last project we identify isolates from A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. tamarii, A. terreus and A. hortae among other species, with reduce susceptibility and tolerance to voriconazole, posaconazole or amphoterin B, it also shows the presence of CYP51 mutations such as N248K, I242V, G662A, T335A or S346R in A. fumigatus, A. flavus, or A.welwitschiae.
My focus is make the phenotypical and genomic characterization of the Aspergillus species isolates from intra hospital environments, urban areas and near agricultural sites in Colombia.
Additionally, I also had worked in the standardization and application of gene silencing through anti-sense technology and more recently, in the application of CRISPR-Cas9 system in the dimorphic fungi Paracoccidoides sp. In the close future, my interest will be applying the CRISPR-Cas9 system to determine the relevance of point mutations in the resistance to antifungal drugs in Aspergillus sp.

My bachelor degree in Microbiologist and bioanalysis from Universidad de Antioquia initiate my interest in medical mycology. I received my PhD at the University of Aberdeen as part of the Wellcome Trust Strategic Award in 2019 in Molecular Medical Mycology. I worked in unravelling the role of the Paxillin-like system in the hyphae steering in the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. I moved back to my host institution at my home country and I had been working as I researcher at the Molecular Cell Biology unit in Corporacion para Investigaciones Biologicas, MedellÃn, Colombia (https://cib.org.co/cib-salud-2/biologia-celular-y-molecular/). In 2021, I was awarded with a grant by the Colombian Science, technology, and Innovation Minister to Characterize the Paracoccidioides sp response to oxidative stress mediated by deprivation of zinc. In addition, I had been working in my research group in the morphological and genomic characterization of Aspergillus species isolated from intra and extra hospital environments from Medellin and near cities. Additionally, I had worked as an assistant lecture in Microbiology and Medical Mycology in the Universidad de Antioquia.

Alvaro

Rua Giraldo

Professor

Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

Aspergillus and Fusarium Taxonomy, molecular identification. Drug resistance. Fungal aerobiology. Aspergillus allergens

https://cib.org.co/cib-salud-2/biologia-celular-y-molecular/
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7750-2461

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=j-cxvFsAAAAJ&hl=es

Mariana

Velez

Infectologist

Clínica Especializada Condesa

Mexico

Oportunistic infections in HIV, Cryptococcus.

I am a recent graduate from Infectious Diseases who loves fungal infections and is looking and willing to collaborate with people around the world to help identify, treat and prevent these infections.

Elena

Roselletti

Postdoctoral Research

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Elena_Roselletti

Anjani Uma Rani

Wunnava

Lecturer

IMU University

Malaysia

Developing effective and safe anti-microbials applying the principles of drug design, computational chemistry, structure optimization and medicinal chemistry. Applying these principles to develop natural products as effective anti-microbials.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-umarani-mosalikanti-877b5980/

Liliane

Mukaremera

Lecturer

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

My work focuses on understanding morphological factors, specifically cell wall modifications, which influence C. neoformans pathogenesis and disease outcome. The cell wall is a unique structure to fungi (absent in mammals), and therefore is a great target choice for the development of new antifungal drugs. At present, there are no drug treatments for cryptococcal infection that target the cell wall. We are currently working on characterising C. neoformans cell wall as a potential antifungal drug target.

Current projects include (1) understanding the role of Cryptococcus cell wall dynamics during infection and antifungal drug resistance, (2) Cryptococcus-Mycobacterium interactions: Framework for a co-infection model.

Staff profile:
https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/?web_id=Liliane_Mukaremera#research

I am a lecturer in Biosciences at the University of Exeter and a member of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at Exeter. I obtained a BSc in biotechnology from the National University of Rwanda (East Africa) before completing a MSc and PhD in medical sciences at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. I then moved to the University of Minnesota for my postdoctoral research studying the role of titan cells in the pathogenesis of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus. My current research focuses on understanding morphological factors, specifically cell wall modifications, which influence Cryptococcus pathogenesis and disease outcome.

I am also interested in mentoring and training young scientists, with a particular emphasis on young Africans, in medical mycology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrUBz2xfPCQ

Assoc Prof. Dr.

Thi Thu Hoai

Nguyen

Vice Director, Lecturer

International University – VNU-HCM

Vietnam

My primary research interests lie in exploring innovative solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance. I have been working on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and bioactive compounds for 13 years using omics and silico approaches. I am eager for collaboration and ready for any online meetings for discussion of potential projects or collaboration not only in research but also in education and training.
Here is my profile page
https://rcid.hcmiu.edu.vn/cv-assoc-prof-nguyen-thi-thu-hoai-phd/
and research page
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hoai-Nguyen-11

A/Prof. Hoai Nguyen is a faculty and leader of Medical Microbiology Research Group of School of Biotechnology as well as Vice Director of the Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. A/Prof Hoai Nguyen obtained a Bsc degree from the Honor Program of Hanoi University of Natural Sciences, VNU-HN in 2003. In 2008, she received her PhD degree from Greifswald University, Germany in Biomedical Sciences and did her postdoctoral research in Louvain Drug Research Institute, UniversitÃ© catholique de Louvain, Belgium and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, USA. So far, she has published 3 book chapters and 77 papers with 26 ISI/Scopus papers. Dr Hoai Nguyen is working in the field of proteomics. She is interested in proteomic analysis of bacterial pathogens, development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance genes as well as alternative therapies to antibiotics alone. She has served as a council member of Asia Oceania Agricultural Proteomics Organization as well as editor and reviewer of reputed scientific journals. She also contributes as referee of Global Undergraduate Award, international fundings such as Thuthuka Funding Instrument/ South Africa Research Foundation and national fundings.

MD PhD

Eelco

Meijer

Clinical Microbiologist

Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital

The Netherlands

The CWZ research group focusses on clinical and translational research in Mycology, with emphasis on severe fungal infections, surveillance, endemic mycoses, infection prevention and molecular diagnostics.

Eelco is a Clinical Microbiologist and head of section Mycology at Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ)/Dicoon in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. His center is part of the Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, is an ECMM Diamond Status Excellence Center, as well as the National Expertise Center for Rare (ECZA) and Invasive Mycoses (RIVM). His training as MD was in parallel with an MSc in Clinical Research. For his subsequent PhD trajectory, Eelco was employed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the E.L. Steele Lab for Tumor Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. This was concurrently his PhD trajectory for Utrecht University, the Netherlands. Subsequently, his training as a Clinical Microbiologist was successfully completed in Nijmegen, with special interest in Mycology. The CWZ research group focusses on clinical and translational research in Mycology, with emphasis on severe fungal infections, surveillance, endemic mycoses, infection prevention and molecular diagnostics.

https://www.ecmm.info/fecmm/fellows/meijer-eelco/

Dr.

Theun

de Groot

Molecular biologist

Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital

The Netherlands

Theun is a Clinical Molecular Biologist and works at the section Mycology at Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ)/Dicoon in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The center is part of the Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, is an ECMM Diamond Status Excellence Center, as well as the National Expertise Center for Rare (ECZA) and Invasive Mycoses (RIVM). Theun performed his PhD and postdoctoral research at the Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands and The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, USA on renal calcium transport and renal side effects of lithium, respectively. Subsequently, he became a Clinical Molecular Biologist at the department of Medical Microbiology of the Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), with special interest in Mycology research. The CWZ Mycology research group focusses on clinical and translational research in Mycology, with emphasis on severe fungal infections, surveillance, endemic mycoses, infection prevention and molecular diagnostics.

Dr.

Sanchita

Mitra

Clinical Microbiologist

LV Prasad Eye Institute

India

Antifungal resistance, antimicrobial resistance, molecular diagnostics, medical mycology, polymicrobial interactions, ocular infections.

I am a clinical microbiologist working in ocular infections. Besides diagnostics, my research area is antimicrobial resistance including antifungal resistance and polymicrobial interactions affecting antimicrobial susceptibility of co-infectants. I have published on research related to antimicrobial resistance in ocular infections and could recently contribute to a book chapter and articles related to ocular microbiology diagnostics, fungal diagnostics and automated systems and sequencing techniques in microbiology diagnostics lab. My institute, a centre of excellence in eyecare, gives us good support in terms of research infrastructure and dedicated time for research activities besides our clinical responsibilities.

Dr.

Claudia Marcela

Parra-Giraldo

Professor

Universidad Europea de Madrid

EspaÃ±a

My research career is centered on Medical Mycology, employing a multifaceted approach to explore the intricate mechanisms of pathogenicity in various fungi and their broader implications in ecosystems and susceptible hosts. Committed to translational research, I collaborate across diverse fields, forming multidisciplinary teams to seek innovative therapeutic alternatives for fungal infections. This collaborative effort extends to the exploration of fungal strains, with and without genetic backgrounds linked to resistance against antifungals, aligning seamlessly with my overarching philosophy of "ONE HEALTH."
Contrary to the prevailing belief that human mycosis is sporadic, current research challenges this notion by shedding light on environmental factors. The predation of yeast by protists and the impact of global warming may select fungi capable of thriving in thermoregulated animals with phagocytic cells. Notably, the calmodulin-calcineurin pathway emerges as a key signaling pathway governing adaptive thermotolerance and survival under oxidative stress. While present in eukaryotic cells, including human lymphocytes and fungi, the exclusive transcription factor Crz1 in fungi positions it as a novel and promising antifungal target, we demonstrated that the deletion of Crz1 suppresses resistance to echinocandins exhibited by an isolate of C. glabrata. Simultaneously, we confirmed the activation of this pathway in C. neoformans in response to stimulation with micronutrients such as copper and iron. This stimulation triggers vesicular traffic, though the extent of its impact, whether limited to intracellular vesicular traffic or affecting the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), remains uncertain.
The release of EVs is a phenomenon observed across organisms in the three kingdoms, playing pivotal roles in intercellular communication and host-pathogen interactions (Abels 2016; Deatherage 2012). EVs are implicated in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration (Maas 2017), garnering increasing scientific interest for their potential applications in nanomedicine, immune therapy, vaccination, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. Given our access to clinical isolates from different patients, featuring fungal strains sensitive and resistant to antifungals, my research aims to investigate the role of the calmodulin/calcineurin pathway in regulating EV secretion and whether these vesicles can serve as carriers of molecules conferring "adaptation capacities" to stress conditions.

Our primary objective is to analyze the dynamic activation and cellular location of the transcription factor CRZ1 and the EVs secreted by antifungal-resistant and -sensitive Candida spp clinical isolates under various stress conditions. Subsequently, we plan to conduct proteomic analyses of the EVs secreted by antifungal-resistant Candida isolates, comparing them to vesicles secreted by wild-type strains to decipher mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance. We will then assess whether the co-incubation of EVs from resistant isolates with sensitive Candida strains confers antifungal resistance to the latter.

The surge in mortality rates associated with fungal infections is exacerbated by the potential environmental selection of thermotolerant fungal strains. Consequently, exploring alternative therapeutic avenues becomes imperative to address the intricate interplay between immunocompromised states, heightened susceptibility to mycosis, and the potential emergence of environmentally adapted strains. In pursuit of these objectives, my research in Medical Mycology aims to untangle these complexities and pave the way for the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies, addressing the evolving challenges in the realm of fungal infections.
Considering this context, the proposed title for this research line is: "Deciphering the Role of the Calcineurin/Calmodulin Pathway and Extracellular Vesicles in the Biofitness of Opportunistic Pathogenic Fungus under Stress Conditions: Searching for New Therapeutic and Diagnostic Strategies."

Currently, I am a tenured professor at the Faculty of Biosciences at the European University of Madrid. Additionally, I am teaching research staff at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) through a talent attraction contract Maria Zambrano, which I started on 1 September 2022. Prior to this, I was a plant professor at the Pontifical Javeriana University (PUJ) since 2005. I earned my doctorate from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2013. I am the founder and coordinator of the Research Unit in Proteomics and Human Mycosis (2014), where research is conducted in the epidemiology and clinical diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, as well as basic and applied research on the pathogenicity regulation of opportunistic fungi such as Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus. The use of invertebrate models and cell cultures has been established. Research projects include both the search for markers of the infectious process and new antifungal alternatives. As the founder of my laboratory in Colombia, I have also led the line of research in medical mycology.

At the teaching level, I was responsible for designing graduate-level subjects such as physiopathology of mycosis, pathogenic fungi, fungal biology, mycosis diagnosis, biomarkers, molecular diagnosis, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell biology, and translational research seminars. In my research group, I have an average of 12 students, some of whom have participated in research from their first undergraduate semester, with several continuing to graduate studies. The laboratory has trained undergraduate and graduate students, master's and doctoral candidates, as well as doctors in postdoctoral positions. Students may be in training or developing undergraduate work. I have graduated 17 undergraduate students, 8 master's students, 3 doctoral students, and currently have 2 PhD students in training.

In the laboratory, we position ourselves as a reference in the diagnosis of fungi using MALDI TOF technology at the national level. We actively network with at least five universities in Colombia and universities abroad, such as Complutense University of Madrid, University of Cincinnati (USA), Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), and the University of Nantes (France). I have 42 publications reported in PUBMED between 2015-2023 and have also participated in significant publications in Colombia, such as the first book on medical mycology and clinical guidelines for candidiasis management.

In teaching, I instruct subjects at the undergraduate level in bacteriology (clinical laboratory), dentistry, medicine, microbiology, and biology, all related to basic microbiology, clinical microbiology, cell biology, immunology, and mycology. At the graduate level, in master's and PhD programs in biological sciences and for dermatology and infectology residents, I teach advanced medical mycology, fungal pathogenesis, biomarkers, and research seminars.

Dr.

Hung

Tran Gia

Lecturer

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

My research interest is dermatology-related diseases. In particular, they are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and urticaria. Besides, other diseases such as alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia, wound healing also meets my interest. I have recently begun studying natural compounds that potentially affect anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and antifungal.
My research is motivated by:
– Widening knowledge in the biomolecular field of dermatology.
– Studying signaling pathways and treatment adaptation.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Qx5-QJsAAAAJ&scilu=&scisig=AIIUsnMAAAAAZoXb-NAMIi-HlZFxqKMYHQZjlOg&gmla=AOAOcb0UY3xH-F3eVvvUIGq9KJhl1N-oS4iCSfYpgQARgpOvRuEjxXmm6Kxer1LmIZOWAzh9EkTYNEoKX6FGY-BLYPabzMYUzZ8bN_mxov0&sciund=2414425057573952965

Hung Gia Tran is a lecturer and physician at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. He graduated with his Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Sciences program, in the field of Dermatology. His research interests are Immunology and Infectious diseases. Besides clinical research, he also studies the application of new active substances in treatment to enhance therapeutic efficacy and long-term disease control, including dermatological conditions and infections caused by both bacteria and fungi.

Andres

CEBALLOS

Lecturer

Universidad del Rosario

Colombia

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Virulence factors, Working with industry

His main research interests are in medical microbiology, focus on mycology (antifungal susceptibility testing, drug resistance and tolerance). His second research area concerns diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.
CRISPRCas9, MALDI-TOF MS, AFST.

Prof. Andrés Ceballos is a medical laboratory scientist and microbiologist with dual doctorates in mycology and Biology & Health. His academic background includes postdoctoral research in molecular epidemiology at Université Clermont Auvergne and medical mycology at Université de Nantes in France. Prof. Ceballos-Garzón has garnered recognition for his research on pathogenic fungi, particularly Candida species, contributing to the understanding of fungal resistance mechanisms. He is currently a professor at the School of Medicine at Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia, and formerly headed BIOASTER’s medical mycology laboratory in Lyon, France, focusing on innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches against fungal infections. His main research interests include epidemiology, AFST, drug resistance, and tolerance to antifungal drugs. His expertise encompasses genomic, proteomic, and phenotypic analyses.

Prof. Ceballos-Garzón’s prolific scientific output includes numerous high-impact publications and presentations at international conferences. His accolades include the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and multiple doctoral training scholarships. He actively collaborates with global research institutions and is a member of several esteemed scientific societies, including the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute, where he serves on the development committee for broth dilution documents for yeasts (M27) and moulds (M38). He is also a member of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases.

Richard

Barton

Principal Clinical Scientist

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

United Kingdom

My main interests are in the laboratory diagnosis of fungal disease and investigations to optimise understanding best therapeutic interventions
Specifically I am in interested in Candida vaginitis and dermatophyte infections.

I did my PhD in Canterbury Kent UK on Candida cell and molecular biology, did a 3 year postdoc in the US with Stu Scherer and Pete Magee on Candida molecular biology, then came back to the UK to Leeds to work initially as a Teaching fellow at the University of Leeds, then as a Clinical Scientist at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and with an honorary appointment at the University of Leeds. I work in a diagnostic laboratory advising on diagnostics, interpreting results and advising on treatment of fungal disease. My current areas of research include antifungal resistance in Candida vaginitis and diagnosis and treatment of T. indotineae.

Dr.

Leon

Perez

Professor

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Colombia

The focus of my research lies in the synthesis and formulation of functional block copolymers with potential applications as drug delivery vehicles. In particular, my work involves the design and synthesis of polymeric materials that enhance the delivery and efficacy of pharmaceutical compounds, including antifungal agents, DNA molecules, and other therapeutically relevant molecules. Within this domain, I have been involved in developing systems that enhance the antifungal effects of drugs, such as amphotericin B, as well as active peptide molecules, by tailoring the chemical properties of the polymers to optimize their performance.

I am a chemist and hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Since 2014, I have been a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Colombia. My primary field of expertise is the synthesis and characterization of new polymeric structures that can be employed in the development of nanostructured colloidal drug formulations. My research focuses on the synthesis of biodegradable block copolymers functionalized with various compounds, such as biomolecules, cyclodextrins, and cationic polymers. These functional groups improve the performance of drug delivery vehicles. Throughout my career, I have been involved in interdisciplinary projects, particularly in the development of nanostructured systems to enhance drug efficacy.

Kit Kay

Mak

Lecturer

IMU University

Malaysia

I obtained my PhD in 2023. My specialisation is in Medicinal Chemistry. My main expertise are in computational modelling, machine learning, organic synthesis and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics profiling.

My research profile links are as follow:
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dGoJ3BwAAAAJ&hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-kay-mak/

I am a lecturer with the School of Pharmacy based in IMU University, Malaysia. I spent a year at the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, UK to receive training on drug discovery methods. I am passionate about research and open to discuss new ideas. My team and I have developed a machine learning platform to predict the activity of compounds. Besides that, I am also involved in small molecule synthesis, can perform analytical characterisation, biological assays and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics profiling.
Here is my LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-kay-mak/

Rufin

Kouipou

Postdoctoral Researcher

Université de Yaoundé I

Cameroon

I am interested in conducting research that will aid in the creation of new medications by identifying and characterizing key molecules obtained from microbial sources. My expertise lies in the realm of natural product drug discovery, with specialized training in microbiology and the secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms.

I am a postdoctoral researcher from Cameroon, and my work is focused on exploring the microorganisms for drug discovery against infectious diseases. My career vision is to help reduce the burden associated with infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance across Africa. As a coinvestigator on previous projects, I demonstrated that the fungal microbiome of medicinal plants of Cameroon has the potential to produce active metabolites against various pathogens, including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, Candida species and Plasmodium falciparum. I oversaw the research projects of several Masterâ€™s and Ph.D students in this field and successfully collaborated with local and international researchers leading to the production of multiple peer-reviewed publications on antimicrobial drug discovery from microbial sources. useful links:
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2144-0710
Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rufin-Toghueo

Prof

Andrea

Najar Cespedes

Professor

Universidad Militar Nueva Granada

Colombia

Antifungal resistance
One Health and Fungal disease

Andrea Najar is a microbiological teacher and PhD student (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana) who currently serves on Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Colombia. She has taught medical microbiology for over 20 years and has master’s degrees in Microbiology from Universidad Nacional of Colombia. In 2020, she has been awarded an agar-art artist to Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and received acknowledgement for the first place obtained in the 16th Colombia National Medical Contest. Between 2016 and 2024, Andrea managed several public education projects aimed at the study of antimicrobial resistance and in recent years on antifungal resistance (grey literature); along with some published articles.
Today, she is working to create a line of research in antifungal resistance at the Nueva Granada Military University through the formulation of projects. Likewise, she is working on a sister project to this proposal, tutored by Claudia Parra Giraldo, PhD and María Ximena Rodríguez Bocanegra, PhD. Andrea also works in the State University System in conjunction with the Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca (Colombia) conducting research on Aspergillus and Fusarium spp from the point of view of OneHealth.

Assoc. Prof.

Van Lam

Nguyen

Vice-Rector

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

Clinical Anatomy, Surgery, Aesthetic, Reconstructive Surgery, Community health

Assoc. Prof. PhD NGUYEN Van Lam is Vice Rector of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy since 2019; Head of Department of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery since 2021. He received his University degree as a General Doctor at Can Tho University in 1989. After having completed his Master’s Degree in Anatomy at University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam in 1991 and Nijmegen University, Netherlands in 1996, he continued to be trained in the field of Surgery in Morges Hospital, Switzerland in 1997. He also learnt and received a certificate about Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery in Hanoi Medical University in 2004. Then in 2008, Dr. Lam obtained Ph.D in the major of Anatomy at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam. Dr. NGUYEN Van Lam is an expert researcher in the field of Clinical Anatomy, Surgery, Aesthetic, Reconstructive Surgery, Community Research. He also publishes a variety of textbooks in Anatomy and Reconstructive Surgery for students to gain their insights into these majors. Dr. Lam is a member of Party Committee of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Vice President of Training of the Vietnamese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

MD M.Sc PhD

Maria del Pilar

Jimenez Alzate

Assistant Professor

Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

Medical Mycology, Immnunology, Infectious diseases, One health

I studied medicine and did the rural social service as an MD in Nuquí – Chocó, on the Pacific Coast of Colombia. Following this, I pursued a master’s degree in Immunology focused on the immune response to fungi, specifically studying the interaction of Paracoccidioides spp. with macrophages expressing variants of the Nramp1 gene. Subsequently, I undertook a fellowship at the University of San Diego, California, where I worked on the mouse model of immune response to Coccidioides spp. Afterwards, I pursued another fellowship in Barcelona, Spain, at the Hospital Clínic, researching infectious endocarditis using a humanized pharmacokinetics model in rabbits. I then completed my PhD on the innate immune response to Coccidioides spp., investigating the role of the Dectin1 receptor in susceptible and resistant mice to this fungus. Following my PhD, I conducted postdoctoral research in San Antonio, Texas, focusing on a vaccine model for Coccidioides spp. and studying the lipids of the outer cell wall of this fungus. Currently, I am working at the School of Medicine of Universidad de Antioquia. In our research group, we focus on: 1) diagnosis of mycoses; 2) epidemiology of mycoses; 3) biology of fungi; and 4) immune response to fungi. Particularly we worked on sporotrichosis and histoplasmosis: developing new molecular methods for diagnosing and new culture media to isolate dimorfic fungi, genotyping isolates from patients, conducting susceptibility tests for antifungal drugs, assessing the presence of these fungi in environmental samples, and chemically and biologically characterizing lipid compositions.

Dr.

John

Rojas

Professor

Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

polymer science,
drug delivery,
bioremediation,
nanotechnology
antimicrobial activity
selfdisinfection in surfaces

John Rojas is currently a full professor of Technological production of solid dosage forms and laboratory at the undergraduate level and several courses at the graduate level. Mr. Rojas got his PhD in Pharmaceutics from the University of Iowa, Iowa city, working with Prof. Vijay Kumar and Douglas Flanagan. In his thesis work, he pioneered the processing technologies for the production of new polymers or excipients applied in different fields. He was awarded by the AAPS in 2009 and the IC2 institute of the University of Texas in 2012. He also got the 1st place in research award in 2020. Since 2003 he has developed several technologies for creating new materials with applications mainly in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields at University of Antioquia. He focused in particular on areas such as polymer science, drug delivery, biofertilizers, bioremediation, cosmetic science and nanotechnology. He collaborates with other faculties in adjunct projects related with bioremediation, feedstock resources, cosmetic science and polymer (material) science. He owns two patents and has filed others in Colombia. Moreover, he has more than 85 publications including papers, chapters and book chapters.

Khem

Raj

Assistant Professor

Panjab University

India

Our lab’s main research area is to investigate and characterize the virulence factors specially of fungal pathogens through various approaches such as microbial genomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics (16S/18s and whole metagenome) as well functional genomics for designing novel antifungal strategies. The lab conducts wet lab experiments in these areas and performs big data analysis of microbial genomes, transcriptomes, and metagenomes using bash commands (Linux OS) and R studio. In our lab, we have established comprehensive bioBakery workflows and Kraken-based pipelines for whole metagenome analysis. Similarly, for whole genome, pan-genome and transcriptome data analysis we have standardized latest pipelines. These cutting-edge tools and workflows enable in-depth analysis with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, our lab is also screening bioactive compounds from trans-Himalayan herbs against the antifungal drug resistant Candida species (C. auris and C.glabrata).
1. Staff profile page
https://microbiology.puchd.ac.in/show-biodata.php?qstrempid=2803&qstrempdesigcode=10
2. Main research interests
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=LR2iMIcAAAAJ&hl=en)
1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-024-03274-9
2. https://doi.org/10.1111/myc.13679
3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-022-01036-7
4. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/biomedicines12051104
5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-024-01277-8
6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-022-10001-1

Current Biography link
https://microbiology.puchd.ac.in/show-biodata.php?qstrempid=2803&qstrempdesigcode=10 1.

Dr.

Leonardo

Nimrichter

Associated Professor

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Our laboratory has two major goals:
1) In collaboration with Dr. Maurizio Del Poeta (Stony Brook University) and Marcio L. Rodrigues (Fundação Oswaldo Cruz), we are actively investigating the effectiveness of acylhydrazones as a novel alternative for combating feline sporotrichosis, a mycotic disease that affects both humans and animals. Over the past 15 years, cases of infected felines have increased dramatically in Brazil, with the city of Rio de Janeiro emerging as a hotspot.
2) In collaboration with other research groups, conducted groundbreaking research by documenting the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in fungal culture supernatant for the first time. We developed a protocol to isolate and analyze the composition of these EVs using techniques such as mass spectrometry, thin layer chromatography, and enzymatic assays. We also employed immunological assays to identify specific components carried by the EVs. Moreover, we successfully demonstrated the immunobiological activity of EVs produced by H. capsulatum, C. neoformans, and C. albicans. We are currently exploiting the use of fungal EVs as vaccine formulations. Furthermore, our recent studies focused on extensively characterizing the immunological functions of these EVs.
Links:
Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=nimrichter&sort=date
Institutional: https://www.microbiologia.ufrj.br/leonardo-nimrichter/
Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com.br/citations?user=LjUVYaMAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR

I graduated as a Pharmacist in 1995 and began my academic training concurrently. After completing my Master’s degree in 1999, I enrolled in the PhD program at the Microbiology Institute under the supervision of Dr. Celuta Alviano. In 2001, I participated in a “sandwich” program at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where I spent two years before returning to Brazil to present my PhD thesis, which focused on the structural and functional characterization of glycosphingolipids. Following a two-year postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Igor Almeida and Dr. Luiz Rodolpho Travassos, I secured a position at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. I currently serve as an Associate Professor, Vice-Head of the General Microbiology Department, and Vice-Coordinator of the PhD program.

Dr.

Anwesha

Chatterjee

Scientist-C & Assistant Professor

Father Muller Medical College and Research Center

India

Molecular diagnosis, biomarker development, drug development

Extensive Research experience in the area of molecular oncology, biomarker development & drug development
Currently working on non-invasive cancer therapeutics
Interested to collaborate with scientists/researchers world wide in order to develop interventions of various diseases

Dr.

Animikh

Ray

Scientist-C and Assistant Professor

Father Muller Medical College and Research Center

India

My work involves design of peptides to circumvent drug resistance and improve therapeutic efficacy. The larger goal of my laboratory is to understand intracellular trafficking of molecules and how cells respond to stimuli. I use both in-silico and in-vitro tools for my research. In recent years I have been deploying multi-omics data analysis in order to understand pattern of drug resistance , host pathogen interaction and develop therapeutic regimen with optimum pharmacokinetic profile.

Dr. Animikh Ray is currently serving as scientist-C and assistant professor of Biochemistry at Father Muller Medical College and research center , a Jesuit organization based out of Mangalore, Karnataka India. He has worked in academia and Industry both in United States as well as India. Before joining Father Muller he has served as founder and chief scientific officer of Ecura labs private limited, a company he founded that worked on precision medicine. He has also served as assistant professor of Chemistry and life sciences at New York Institute of Technology, New York . He has active collaboration with University of Paris and inserm ( Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale) with whom he is trying understand structure and function of extracellular vesicles and their role in disease etiology. He is especially interested in understanding intracellular trafficking of molecules and drug resistance pattern in both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Dr.

Ramesh

Bhat

Professor and Head of research

Father Muller Medical College and Research Center

India

I specialize in clinical research related to therapeutics in the domain of tropical dermatology and neglected tropical diseases with funding support from all major global pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, novartis etc. Fungal infections and their treatment is a priority area for my group. I have worked extensively on antifungal drug resistance and their prevalence. Topical steroid abuse related to fungal diseases has been a focus of my research. I also work on the management of superficial fungal infections and subcutaneous mycoses caused by deep fungal infections . I have worked extensively on dermatophytoses -host and pathogen factors responsible for the disease and immunohistochemical evaluation of chronic recurrent form of the disease.

Dr. M Ramesh Bhat is Professor, Dept. of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy and Head of Research at Father Muller Medical College. He is a renowned clinician ,researcher and educator in the domain of dermatology, leprosy and venereal diseases. He is also an expert in the domain of neglected tropical diseases. He has been president of Indian Association of .Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and Director â€“ International League of Dermatological Societies [ILDS] . He is also â€¢WHO Expert on Neglected Tropical Diseases. He has been a faculty of Father Muller Medical college for more than thirty one years. He has more than one hundred international publications and twelve book chapters. Till Date he has been Principal investigator in twenty two clinical trials.

Rouchelle

Tellis

Consultant Microbiologist and Professor of Microbiology

Yenepoya Medical College

India

Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms
Infection Surveillance and control
Infectious disease diagnosis

Clinical microbiologist with special interest in diagnosis of infectious diseases, AMR

Dr.

Dave

Cook

CEO

Quodria Ltd.

United Kingdom

Our focus is on creating topical treatments for a range of skin/superficial infections. We aim to maximise the effectiveness of proven drugs but are also keen to work with those developing new actives and explore their potential as topical treatments. For more information on the team please visit www.quodria.com

I have a background in biochemistry, immunology and molecular biology with a PhD from Imperial College London. I’ve worked in the pharmaceutical industry for (both large pharma and biotech) for more than 20 years and is an experienced leader in drug discovery and development. I have taken products from concept through to late-stage clinical testing, most recently as CSO for Blueberry Therapeutics where we developed a novel nanoformulation of terbinafine for the topical treatment of onychomycosis. This treatment successfully complete a Phase 2 study, where it was shown to be effective. I am now the CEO of a new biotech called Quodria and our focus is on developing new treatments for common and not so common skin and superficial diseases. We have an active interest in neglected diseases and treatments for regions traditionally less well served by the drugs industry.

Dr.

Norman

van Rhijn

Research Fellow

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix

I am a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow in Microbial Evolution Research Manchester (MERman) and the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG, http://www.inflammation-repair.manchester.ac.uk/mfig).

My main research interests are: One Health and Fungal infections, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Climate change and Genetic tools in non-model organisms (Fungal pathogens)

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/norman.vanrhijn

I started my Research career at the University of Manchester obtaining my PhD. This project was focused on transcriptional regulation during Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the mammalian lung through high-throughput screening of mutants. As an example, we screened the library for azole sensitivity and resistance where my passion for AMR came from.

During my PhD project we have developed CRISPR methodologies for genome editing of A. fumigatus. The focus was on CRISPR-mediated protein tagging and point mutations to avoid using dominant selection markers during transformation. This methodology is widely adopted now in several research laboratories and is still driving much of my research.

I am currently working on a project linking climate change to antifungal resistance, working on dual-use fungicides and novel antifungals. I work on evolution in soil through various techniques combining environmental microbiology, molecular fungal biology and infection biology.

Muhammad Hishar

Hassan

Senior Research Officer

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Malaysia

My primary research interests are in the fields of radiopharmaceutical science and radiochemistry, with a particular focus on radiolabelling with PET radioisotopes such as 18F, 18F-aluminum fluoride ([18F]AlF) and 68Ga. I am dedicated to the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals with the aim of improving diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in nuclear medicine. My work is driven by the desire to improve the precision and efficacy of radiopharmaceutical applications and to contribute to the broader field of medical imaging and treatment.

Dr. Muhammad Hishar Hassan holds a PhD in Molecular Imaging from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He is also an active recipient of a fellowship and scientific visit from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he was assigned for a 1-month fellowship in Radiopharmaceutical Sciences at Westmead Hospital in New South Wales, Australia and undertook various scientific visits in Italy and India. Prior to joining Universiti Putra Malaysia as Senior Research Officer, he worked at IBA Molecular where he was involved in setting up a cyclotron and radiopharmaceutical centre worth RM40 million. He is now actively involved in research and authoring research articles in the field of radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical science. By 2023, he has published more than 30 articles in Web of Science and Scopus indexed journals. He is a member of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine and a member of the World Council on Isotopes.

Rebecca

Ingram

Reader in Infection and Immunity

The Queen’s University Belfast

United Kingdom

My Lab focuses on understaning the role of T cell responses in the control of infection. We utilise this information for the rational design of vaccines and immunotherapeutics. We have extensive expertise in the development of biologically relevant in vivo models to study infection.

https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/beckie-ingram
The overarching aim of my research is to understand the lymphocytic response to bacterial infections, in order to facilitate rational vaccine design. I have a particular interest in the interface between innate and adaptive lymphocytic cell responses. We use a combination of approaches to elucidate the lymphocytic responses to bacterial infection, including in vitro models and analysis of clinical samples, but the greatest area of expertise within my lab is the use of in vivo murine bacterial infection models. There are a number of ongoing projects within the lab, these include;

(i) The induction of innate immunological memory against bacterial infection.

(ii) Identification of bacterial (Pseudomonas and Anthrax) antigens that elicit a memory T cell response and may therefore represent novel vaccine candidates

(iii) Defining the role of T cells in driving and resolving inflammation (Streptococcus and Pseudomonas)

(iv) The rational design and optimisation of pre-clinical models to test novel antimicrobials and investigate host-pathogen interactions.

Selinda

Orr

Senior Lecturer

The Queen’s University Belfast

United Kingdom

The Orr group focuses on understanding the immune response to fungal pathogens in order to identify potential immunotherapy targets or stratification factors to stratify patient groups at risk of fungal infections in order to target anti-fungal prophylaxis to patients at highest risk of developing serious fungal infections.

Collaborative and Redundant Roles of CLRs in Anti-Fungal Immunity
Myeloid cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils use cell surface receptors to recognize invading fungal pathogens. Various C-type lectin-like receptors including Dectin-1, Dectin-2 and Mincle are involved in the recognition of various fungal cell-wall components such as beta-glucans and mannans. These receptors concurrently induce an inflammatory response upon recognition of fungal pathogens. Therefore, anti-fungal immune responses are complex, involving a highly co-ordinated response from multiple receptors. We have generated novel models to fully dissect the role of these receptors during anti-fungal responses.

https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/selinda-orr

I was awarded a PhD for my studies on the inhibitory Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectins (Siglecs) (Queenâ€™s University Belfast). During this time, I gained invaluable experience in studying cell signalling pathways and the regulatory mechanisms involved in these pathways. I then spent 5yrs as an NIH Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow at the National Cancer Institute, Frederick. While my PhD focused on the regulation of inhibitory receptor signaling, my postdoctoral training focused on the regulation of Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Activation Motif (ITAM)-coupled receptors and how this affects cytokine production and inflammatory responses. From there my interest in the hemiITAM-containing or ITAM-coupled C-type lectin-like receptors developed. In 2011, I was awarded a Wellcome Trust VIP award to relocate to Cardiff University to study the role of these C-type lectin-like receptors in host defence. I was then awarded a Wellcome Trust/Royal Society Sir Henry Dale Fellowship in 2012 to continue my research into C-type lectin-like receptor signalling and immune responses. During this Fellowship, I discovered receptor collaboration and redundancy during immune responses to various fungal pathogens. I then started as a Senior Lecturer at Queenâ€™s University Belfast in 2019, where I have continued to decipher cell signalling and host immune responses to fungal pathogens.

Sarah

Ahmed

Researcher

Radboud University of Nijmegen

Netherlands

AI/new tools, Aspergillus, Diagnostics, Other spp., Virulence factors

My research is centered on the molecular taxonomy of clinical fungi, mycological diagnostics, and antifungal resistance. I am particularly focused on developing tools to mitigate the burden of fungal diseases, with an emphasis on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). I have worked on mycetoma, aspergillosis, fungal rhinosinusitis, and dermatophytosis.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0155-8113
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Ahmed-7

Sarah Ahmed is a microbiologist acclaimed for her expertise in molecular medical mycology. She currently holds the position of Senior Researcher at the Radboud UMC/CWZ Center of Expertise in Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, while also serving as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Khartoum, Sudan, and is an affiliated researcher with the Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, The Netherlands. Ahmed's research is at the forefront of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of fungal infections. She has significantly advanced fungal taxonomy, describing over ten novel species with clinical importance. Her scholarly achievements are reflected in her extensive publication record, with over 70 scientific papers/book chapters. Sarah's commitment to education is evident in her active engagement in teaching medical graduates and undergraduates. Her work with the Atlas of Clinical Fungi underlines her deep knowledge and authority in mycology. As an editorial board member and reviewer for multiple international journals, Ahmed's impact on the mycological community is profound and
widespread.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0155-8113

Iana

Kalinina

postdoctoral research fellow

University of Exeter

Since 2020 Iana has been working as a postdoctoral research fellow at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology studying the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Iana's project utilises mammalian cell culture infection models to study host-pathogen interactions. She has also successfully established a microfluidics-based approach to analyse adhesion of C. albicans under conditions of physiological flow. This is important because this fungus is thought to colonise indwelling catheters of patients from the circulation.

https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/?web_id=iana_kalinina
https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/?web_id=iana_kalinina

Overview
Iana is interested in Candida albicans Goliath cells and their role in pathogenicity. She is interested in microfluidics and confocal microscopy.

Qualifications
PhD, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany (2012).

Career
Postdoctoral research fellow, MRC CMM, University of Exeter, UK (2020-present).

Postdoc, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Germany (2016-2018).

Postdoctoral fellow (EIPOD fellowship), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany (2012-2015).

Humaira

Farooq

Clinical Scientist (Mycology)

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre

Pakistan

Molecular Mycology diagnosis and research

I'm clinical Scientist for fungal infections with an intense drive to advance in Medical Mycology research and diagnostics focused on molecular mycology.
Our universities and hospitals are filled with Bacteriologists and Virologists, but lack Mycologists. As a direct consequence of this, the diagnostic and research sectors of Medical Mycology are constantly jeopardized.

My aim is to establish a Medical Mycology reference lab in Pakistan, with a focus on molecular diagnosis and research for fungal infections. It would be the first molecular mycology reference lab in Pakistan. Motivated to offer expertise to hospitals.

Future intentions to teach Medical Mycology in order to produce Medical Mycologists to fill gap and establish my own research team in the field of medical mycology, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections.

Professor of Medicine and Microbiology

Stuart

Levitz

Principal Investigator

UMass Chan Medical School

United States

https://www.umassmed.edu/levitzlab/

https://profiles.umassmed.edu/display/129784
Dr. Stuart M. Levitz is a Professor of Medicine and Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. He also attends on the Infectious Diseases consultation service at UMassMemorial Hospital. Dr. Levitz’s over 200 publications have mostly focused on fungal immunology, vaccinology, and medical mycology. He has had uninterrupted NIH grant support for over 40 years. An active area of research interest is the development of vaccines to protect at risk individuals from cryptococcosis, a disease that kills over 100,000 people annually.
https://www.umassmed.edu/levitzlab/

Roberta

Peres da Silva

Visiting Researcher

Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Brazil

Zoonotic outbreaks have become more prevalent and significant over the past few decades. Sporotrichosis was traditionally acquired through subcutaneous traumatic inoculation of soil material contaminated with mycelial propagules of S. schenckii, S. globosa, S. luriei, or S. pallida. However, recent outbreaks have emerged through zoonotic transmission from cats to humans of the highly virulent species S. brasiliensis, with cats serving as "amplifier hosts." My research focuses on elucidating the host-pathogen interactions that drive this zoonotic transmission of Sporothrix from cats to humans and the severity of sporotrichosis infections in these hosts. I combine transcriptomics, molecular dissection, and virulence assays to uncover the mechanisms underlying these interactions, particularly in innate immune cells critical for controlling the disease.

http://lattes.cnpq.br/0955643123463690
Graduated in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2007), master’s degree in Biosciences and Biotechnology Applied to Pharmacy from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2010), PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Universidade Federal de São Paulo ( 2015), in addition to postdoctoral studies at Karolinska Institutet (Sweden, 2016-2017) and the University of Nottingham (United Kingdom, 2017-2019). Young Researcher at the MRC Center for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter (United Kingdom, 2019-2023). His scientific career is focused on genetic engineering, transcriptomics and molecular mechanisms of fungal diseases during host-pathogen interactions.

Assistant Professor

Yean Kong

Yong

research and development, teaching and administration

Xiamen University Malaysia

Malaysia

My research interest focuses on the host immune responses in various infectious diseases including dengue, HIV and other co-infections (e.g. HBV, HCV and Human Pegivirus) and opportunistic infection (e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, candida, cryptococcal, Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus) associated with HIV. His work had led to the discovery of several biomarkers, genetic polymorphisms and immune mechanisms that are associated disease pathogenesis and prognosis of disease severity. His studies have provided substantial evidence to support the development of new therapeutic strategies and interventions.

https://www.xmu.edu.my/Directory/list.htm
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yeankong-Yong-2
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qWPvzRAAAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yeankong-Yong-2
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qWPvzRAAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Yong is presently an Assistant Professor at the Xiamen University Malaysia and the Director of Laboratory Centre for Xiamen University Malaysia. He received his higher education at the University of Malaya (under graduation: Genetic and Molecular Biology, MSc: Virology and Molecular Biology, PhD: Immunology and Infectious Diseases). He has experience working in WHO Collaborating Centre in Arboviruses (2003 – 2008) and Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (2010 – 2017).

Doctor

Koba Privat

AGNIWO

Resaerch Associate

Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako ( USTTB)

Mali

With a PhD in Parasitology and as a Medical Biologist, I have a strong background in molecular biology, parasitology and immunology, particularly in malaria, geohelminths and human and animal schistosomiasis. I have some experience in microscopy and a good knowledge of population genetics.
My current challenge is to understand the genetic factors involved in the resistance of parasites and fungi to different treatments.

Dr Koba Privat AGNIWO is a young researcher from Benin. He holds a diploma in biomedical analysis and a master's degree in immunology and cell biology from the University of Abomey Calavi, Benin. Dr Agniwo started his research career in 2018 as a PhD student in parasitology at Ecole Doctoral des Sciences et Techniques du Mali (EDSTM) funded by the Malian government. His research first focused on neglected tropical disease (NTD), schistosomiasis. In strong collaboration with the IHPE in Perpignan (France), he contributed to the characterization of hybridization between schistosomes of the haematobium group in Mali (West Africa). Dr Agniwo is based in Mali, he is currently working in the Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC) team to elucidate and implement effective control of NTDs (Schistosomiasis), with several publications to his credit. His hobbies include soccer and travelling. Dr Agniwo recently set up an optimal ex-vivo culture platform for schistosomes of the haematobium group using field isolates to enable rapid evaluation of new drug candidates as part of a project funded by the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD). Thus, Dr Agniwo has contributed to understanding the biology of schistosomiasis and mycoses, with a view to discovering

Eveline

Snelders

Associate Professor

Wageningen University

Netherlands

Antifungal resistance, environmental sampling, surveillance, ecology, fungal genetics, population genomics

https://www.fungalsnelderslab.org/
Eveline Snelders holds a PhD in Medical Microbiology from the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen (2012) where she also completed the Medical Molecular Microbiology training fellowship (2014). After a Postdoc in Paris at the Institute Pasteur (2015) she joined the chair group of genetics at Wageningen University & Research first as a postdoc on a NWO VENI grant (2016) and later she established her own research group as an assistant professor (2020) and currently as associate professor (2024). Her main research goal is linking concepts from evolutionary genetics to public health and fungal disease. By identifying critical factors for environmental resistance selection, understanding the ecology and transmission between environment and patient and studying genomic population structure, key insights can be gathered enabling the development of effective control and prevention measures for policymakers. Methods used in her research group are air-sampling, CRISPRcas9, Galleria mellonella, sequencing and bioinformatics.

Harsimran

Kaur

Associate Professor

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)

India

Diagnosis and identification of invasive fungal infection, Epidemiology of fungal infections, Neonatal candidaemia, Phaeohyphomycosis, Cryptococcosis, Molecular typing, Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, Development of diagnostic tests for Mucormycosis

https://pgimer.edu.in/PGIMER_PORTAL/PGIMERPORTAL/Department/Global/JSP/home_dept.jsp?CP=Eng&deptid=d23&B2=GO
Scopus Author ID: 58748986800
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4871-8113

Currently, I am working as Associate Professor, Mycology Division, Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. The mycology laboratory of PGIMER, Chandigarh is a designated ‘WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Fungi of Medical Importance’ and “Centre for Advanced Research in Medical Mycology” in India. We harbour ‘National Culture Collection of Pathogenic Fungi’ facility receiving and providing strains to researchers all over India. We are also the ICMR nodal centre for anti fungal drug resistance in India.
I have been working exclusively in the field of medical mycology for 10 years. I am well versed with diagnosis and identification of fungal infections including molecular techniques. My special interest includes mucormycosis, cryptococcosis, phaeohyphomycosis, candidaemia and other systemic fungal infections, and antifungal stewardship. Currently, I am pursuing research on epidemiology, environmental transmission, genetic susceptibility and antifungal susceptibility of invasive phaeohyphomycosis, and development of serodiagnostic technique for mucormycosis and molecular technique for pulmonary cryptococcosis.
Scopus Author ID: 58748986800
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4871-8113

Muhamad Faiz

Othman

Academician

Universiti Teknologi Mara

Malaysia

I am a pharmacist specialising in radiopharmacy. My research interest is in the development of radiopharmaceutical involving its preparations, quality and safety aspects with the focus for clinical translation.

Google scholar
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=U3o6Wc0AAAAJ&hl=en

University page
https://pharmacy.uitm.edu.my/index.php/discover-us/directory/27-corporate/staff-directory/71-dr-muhamad-faiz-othman

I am a 39 year-old academician, graduated with Bachelor in Pharmacy (Malaysia) in 2007. Following graduation, I worked for as a provisionally-registered pharmacist at Putrajaya Hospital, a Malaysian Ministry of Health hospital. Subsequent to that, I further study and graduated with MSc Radiopharmaceutics and PET Radiochemistry at King's College London, UK. I returned back to Malaysia and serve as an academician at Universiti Teknologi MARA. I returned back to the King's College London, UK to pursue my PhD study, graduated in 2020 (in radiobiology) with the project focusing on the assessment of Gallium-67 Auger electron therapeutic potential.
As an academic, I am teach various pharmacy based subjects including radiopharmacy, pharmacy practice, pharmacy legislation, and a bit of clinical pharmacy (cancer management).
Following years of practice, both in academic and research, my interest is on the development of radiopharmaceuticals with the aim of clinical translation.

Dr.

DIEGO

JOSA MONTERO

COORDINATOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY

Shaio Clinic

COLOMBIA

different activities in the field of clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance and infection control; with knowledge and expertise in molecular biology,
proteomics and microbial genomics procedures applicable in the field of molecular epidemiology.

Professional in Microbiology, with specialization in Medical Microbiology, with more than 10 years of experience
in health institutions from I to IV level of complexity, carrying out different activities in the field of clinical
microbiology, antimicrobial resistance and infection control; with knowledge and expertise in molecular biology,
proteomics and microbial genomics procedures applicable in the field of molecular epidemiology. I have skills in
scientific research, for the development of different ideas and research projects in different biomedical areas. In
addition, I have 5 years of experience as a medical microbiology teacher in medical schools.

HUNG-JI

TSAI

Assistant Professor

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom

My group focuses on adaptive evolution at the host-fungal interfaces. Currently, we ask the following questions in the lab:
1. How do large-scale genome instability events (mainly, ploidy variations) enable the evolution of anti-fungal resistance?
2. How do host and fungi co-evolve commensalism and drug resistance?
3. Develop a molecular diagnostic platform for resistant and novel fungal pathogens

Our lab website: https://sites.google.com/view/tsailab/
My UoB staff page: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/biosciences/tsaihung-ji

UoB staff page: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/biosciences/tsaihung-ji

I have a long-standing interest in adaptive genome evolution since my PhD research at the University of Minnesota (Judith Berman lab). Later, I pursued postdoctoral research on cellular adaptation in aneuploidy at Johns Hopkins University (Rong Li lab). In 2020, I start my own group at the University of Birmingham, exploring the evolution of antifungal resistance at the host-pathogen interface. The lab uses systems biology approaches and collaborates with scientists across different disciplines to uncover the genetic and non-genetic parameters of host-fungal evolution.

Bethany

McCann

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/?web_id=b_l_mccann

Bethany McCann joined Professor Elaine Bignell’s research group on an undergraduate summer studentship in 2014, before undertaking her PhD titled ‘From Bug to Drug: Identification of novel inhibitors of pH signalling in the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus’ which was completed in 2019 under her supervision. Her PhD research was focused on identifying innovative methods required to find novel inhibitors of the pathogenically important pH signalling pathway of A. fumigatus. During her PhD I undertook an industrial placement with a small drug discovery company, Blueberry Therapeutics.

Her research interests lie in understanding the virulence mechanisms that drive fungal pathogenicity including how fungi adapt, interact with and damage host environments upon infection and how these mechanisms can be exploited for the identification of novel antifungals.

Professor

Shivaprakash

Rudramurthy

Professor and In-Charge of Mycology Division

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)

India

Epidemiology of invasive fungal infections ( Candidiasis, Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis), dermatophytosis, and neglected tropical diseases such as mycetoma.
Antifungal resistance – Aspergillus, Candida auris, Trichophyton indotineae etc.
Pathogenesis of mucormycosis, and dermatophytosis
Development of fungal diagnostics for the diseases highly prevalent in india such as mucormycosis.

Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy is a Professor in Medical Mycology at Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. He completed his MD in Medical Microbiology from Mysore University, India and PhD from Radboud University, The Netherlands. He served as vice president of ISHAM from 2018 to 2022. During his microbiology career spanning >2 decades, he has been associated with clinical research in medical mycology. He oversees the National Reference Center and WHO Collaborating Center for Research on Fungi of Medical Importance and is the National Culture Collection of Pathogenic Fungi Curator. He has served as President, General Secretary and Treasurer of the Indian Society of Medical Mycology. His research interests are molecular epidemiology, typing, taxonomy of human pathogenic fungi, molecular diagnosis of fungal infections, and antifungal resistance. He has reported many rare fungi as agents of mycosis and identified new species of fungi pathogenic to humans, such as Malassezia arunalokei, Exophiala arunalokei and Cunninghamella arunalokei. One of the many interesting outcomes of his research has been identifying novel drug resistance

Manpreet

Dhaliwal

Assistant Professor

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)

India

Inborn errors of immunity
Immunology of fungal infections
Immunotherapeutics

I am a consultant in the paediatrics clinical immunology and rheumatology unit. We primarily focus on Inborn Errors of Immunity and pediatric rheumatological disorders. Our laboratory employs advanced techniques such as flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing for disease diagnosis.
Our Unit follows the largest PID registry and has over three decades of expertise in treating children with fungal infections. Designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Education, Research, and Training in Paediatric Immunology (2022-2026), our unit is recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Asia Pacific Society for Immunodeficiency and the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) for rheumatology (2020-2023). Additionally, we hold accreditation as a Collaborating Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Immunology from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Godwin Akpeko

Dziwornu

Senior Investigator

University of Cape Town

South Africa

I am interested in drug discovery research towards identifying new medicines against infectious diseases.

I am currently a senior investigator in Medicinal Chemistry at H3D. I obtained my MPhil in Natural Products Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana and my PhD at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, working on Natural Products of marine seaweeds and invertebrates and semisynthesis
of natural products and privileged scaffolds for new drug leads against malaria and tuberculosis.
I am interested in the discovery of the next generation of chemotherapeutic drugs for infectious diseases. At H3D, he is
currently involved with identifying and developing new natural and synthetic antimalarial and antituberculosis drugs.

Manjunath

Shenoy

Professor

Yenepoya Medical College

India

Mycology
Psoriasis

Dr Manjunath Shenoy has several academic credentials with special interest in mycology and inflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis . He has several publications and books to his credit. Currently he is the President of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists & Leprologists (IADVL), which is the world’s second largest organization of qualified dermatologists.

MSc

Maria Valentina

Bedoya Florez

Researcher

Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Colombia

Colombia

The Medical and Experimental Mycology Research Group at the Center for Biological Research (CIB) is dedicated to advanced research in medical mycology and fungal biology. With a multidisciplinary approach, the group studies the interactions between fungi and human hosts, aiming to understand the molecular and cellular bases of fungal infections and their relationship with other pathologies, including cancer.
The group's research ranges from basic studies of fungal biology to applied investigations in epidemiology and public health. Among its main areas of focus are the study of antifungal resistance, characterization of host immune responses, and identification of virulence factors of pathogenic fungi. Additionally, the group investigates the role of fungal microbiota in modulating the immune response and its impact on cancer progression and treatment, particularly colorectal cancer.

Born in Medellín, Colombia, I completed my undergraduate studies in Bacteriology and Clinical Laboratory Science at Colegio Mayor de Antioquia in 2018. I then joined the Medical and Experimental Mycology Research Group (MME) as a master's student, where I focused on evaluating the antifungal activity of metal complexes with triazole ligands in an in vivo model of invasive candidiasis. I earned my Master’s degree in Biology from the University of Antioquia in 2024. Currently, I am engaged in preclinical research assessing the impact of mycobiota on colorectal cancer.

Mallikarjuna Rao

Pichika

Dean of Research

Newcastle University, Medicine Malaysia

Malaysia

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Omics, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

My research interests lie primarily in the fields of drug design, drug discovery, and drug development, with a particular focus on metabolic and infectious diseases. My work is characterized by the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools to design chemical compounds that target specific biological entities. The synthesis of these compounds is carried out using both conventional and microwave-assisted methods, with a strong emphasis on employing green chemistry techniques.

In addition to synthetic chemistry, I am deeply engaged in isolating bioactive secondary metabolites from natural sources such as plants and microbes. The bioactivity of these compounds is rigorously assessed through various experimental models, including in vitro (cell-based), ex vivo (tissue-based), and in vivo (animal-based) systems. To elucidate the mechanisms of action, I employ comprehensive gene and protein expression analyses.

Furthermore, I conduct detailed evaluations of the drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) properties of these compounds to ensure their efficacy and safety. My research encompasses multiple stages of early drug discovery and development, from initial design and synthesis to biological evaluation and mechanistic studies, aiming to contribute to the advancement of therapeutic agents for metabolic and infectious diseases.

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=KhXNeu8AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallikarjuna-rao-pichika-65083221/
ORCID: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-9761-8266
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=34880608200
Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/D-6578-2018

Dr. Pichika Mallikarjuna Rao, a distinguished professor at the International Medical University (IMU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in drug design, discovery, and development against metabolic and infectious diseases. He heads the Centre of Excellence for Bioactive Molecules & Drug Delivery and the Centre for Analytical & Pharmaceutical Services at IMU. Dr. Rao holds a BPharm, MPharm, and PhD from Andhra University, India, and has additional certifications in drug design and medicinal chemistry from institutions in the USA and Canada. With over 145 indexed publications, an H-index of 30, and numerous research grants and patents, his contributions to pharmaceutical sciences are substantial. His research focuses on utilizing AI for drug design, synthesizing compounds using green methods, isolating bioactive metabolites from natural sources, and evaluating their bioactivity through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. He also investigates the mechanisms of action using gene and protein expression analyses and assesses the drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics properties of these compounds. Dr. Rao has significantly increased research outputs and external funding at IMU, improving the institution’s QS rankings. He has developed innovative drug delivery systems and collaborated internationally on research projects. His leadership extends to mentoring students, faculty, and contributing to the

Associate Professor

Sunday

Ayuba Buru

Research, Teaching, Administrative duties and Community Service

Kaduna State University

Nigeria

Antifungals, resistance mechanisms and alternative antifungal therapy

https://scholar.google.com.my/citations?user=D7j0SW8AAAAJ&hl=en
https://wcair.dundee.ac.uk/trainees/sunday-ayuba/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunday-ayuba-buru-phd-75960522?originalSubdomain=ng
Hi, I am Sunday Ayuba Buru, from Kaduna State, Nigeria. I teach and currently supervise the Genomic Research Lab, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria.

I graduated in 2014 with a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from International Medical University Malaysia (IMU), under the amiable tutelage of the very respected Professor Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika, I had the privilege of being expose to the world of microbial genomics and phytotherapy with special interest on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and WHO priority list of organisms that urgently need antibiotics.

During my training, I had the privilege of acquiring skills on processing, extraction, isolation and identification of secondary metabolites from plants, antibiogram activities of compounds, Isolation of bacterial RNA, qPCR and RT-PCR studies with Microarray analysis in gene expression studies, etc.

Coming to Wellcome Centre for Anti-infective Research (WCAIR), Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, is a dream come true, with the state of the art facilities put in place for effective research and learning, and the very erudite trainers all around us to get us through every moment, I believe I am poised to get the best out of this once in a life time opportunity and be a better researcher at the end of my training.
https://www.researchgate.net/search.Search.html?query=&_hsv=xyx1DMpkPKqBFhL3NrKOeyQi
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1453-7506

Fabian

Salazar

Research Fellow

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Understanding the mechanisms of protection and susceptibility to human fungal pathogens including Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Understanding the influence of Aspergillus spp. colonisation on lung integrity, composition and immune response, particularly to subsequent infectious challenges.
Development of diagnostic tools for fungal infections using omics to tackle antifungal resistance.

I'm a research fellow with over eight years of postdoctoral experience in fungal immunology. I hold a BSc in Biochemistry, MSc in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, where I gained experience in purification and characterisation of antimicrobial peptides, work that led to a patent of invention. I then obtained a PhD in Immunology, research focusing on the molecular mechanisms that drive human lung allergic responses. During my postdoctoral studies at the MRC CMM, I have focused my research in understanding the mechanisms of protection and susceptibility to human fungal pathogens including Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, using in vivo and in vitro systems. My most recent work focuses on understanding the influence of Aspergillus spp. colonisation on lung integrity, composition and immune responses, particularly to subsequent infectious diseases. I am also interested in building collaborative networks to develop the next generation diagnostic tools for fungal infections using omics technologies. I have also extensive experience in supervising PhD, MRes and MSc students. I have published my work in high profile peer reviewed journals and presented my work in local and international conferences.

Neil

Stone

Associate Professor

University College London, University of London

United Kingdom

Candida auris treatment and genomics
Clinical trials
Antifungal Resistance
Clinical fungal diagnostics

I am a clinician scientist with dual training in clinical Infectious Diseases medicine & laboratory microbiology. I have expertise & experience in treating a wide range of bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, as well as a particular interest in complex and imported fungal infection (medical mycology), as well as infection in the immune compromised.

My PhD was in emergence of antifungal resistance in Cryptococcus in Tanzania and I am currently studying combination therapies for Candida auris in an in vitro hollow fibre model.

Emily

Sey

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Gut-lung axis: How the gut microbiome affects lung immunity to Aspergillus and Pseudomonas co-infections in Cystic Fibrosis . I am currently researching the immune response in the lung to Aspergillus and Pseudomonas co-infections, and how the gut microbiome impacts these responses. We are studying this in the context of Cystic Fibrosis using CFTR KO mice.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Exeter with Prof Adilia Warris investigating the gut-lung axis during Aspergillus and Pseudomonas co-infections in Cystic Fibrosis. Previously doctoral research with Prof Gordon Brown at the University of Exeter investigating novel C-type lectin receptors in immune response to systemic Candida infection. MRes in Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology from the University of Aberdeen and an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences: Pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen.

Dr.

Juan David

Puerta Arias

Researcher

Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Colombia

Colombia

My main research interests focus on the study of invasive fungal infections from the development, standardization and validation of novel diagnostic methods, based on immunological and molecular platforms, to the epidemiology, resistance mechanisms and pathogenesis of the infection using experimental mouse models.
Below, I leave the access links to the profile pages:
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001269895
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=kedgVTEAAAAJ&hl=en
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6000-2348

Microbiologist and bioanalyst with a Master's Degree in Basic Biomedical Sciences from the University of Antioquia. Doctorate in Medical Sciences from the Pontifical Bolivariana University (Colombia).
Associate professor of the postgraduate department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Santander.
Member linked to the Experimental and Medical Mycology group of the Corporation for Biological Research (CIB).
Link to current biography:
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001269895

Dr.

Marcia

Melhem

Associate Researcher

Universidade de São Paulo

Brasil

Diagnosis in Medical Mycology
Clinical and Environmental Antifungal Resistance

CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/2132609720093419

CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/2132609720093419
Pharmacist-Biochemistry, Sanitarian, Master and PhD in Public Health, from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. His training in Medical Mycology was led by Prof. Carlos da Silva Lacaz. She worked for 40 years at the Adolfo Lutz Institute in São Paulo, as a Scientific Researcher. Since 2019, she has been a Senior Researcher at the Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS. She works as a Collaborating Researcher at LIM53 at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo at the Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo. He is a permanent professor in 3 postgraduate programs (PPG) in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande- MS, PPG in Tropical Diseases at UNESP, Botucatu and PPG in Sciences, from the Disease Control Coordination , State Department of Health, São Paulo. He has more than 100 published articles on the epidemiology and diagnosis of fungal diseases, mechanisms of action and resistance to antifungal drugs and the discovery of new antimycotic drugs. Research Productivity Scholarship from the National Research Council – CNPq, since 2008. (Text provided by the author)

Beatrice

Achan

Senior Lecturer/ Teaching , research and community service.

Makerere University

Uganda

My current research is focused on antifungal resistance of the common fungal pathogens of invasive fungal diseases in Uganda. My past experience in antifungal resistance research began in 2009 when I collaborated with U.S. researchers and visited the University of Minnesota to optimise a â€˜resource limited broth microdilution assay for testing clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from HIV/AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis. This later became a sub-study of the Cryptococcal Optimal ART Timing (COAT) Trial in which we published on the emerging azole non-susceptibility of Cryptococcus isolates in Uganda (Smith KD, Achan B et al., ASM Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2015). Following this initial research experience and education exchange in the University of Minnesota, I developed a profound interest in pursuing research on cryptococcal meningitis; the leading fungal cause of mortality in HIV/AIDS. Additionally, we recently reported a high prevalence of fluconazole resistance of Candida isolates (Musinguzi et al.,Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Diseases, 2024) ; another fungal pathogen highlighted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Uganda (Parkes-Ratanshi et al., Mycoses, 2015). I continue to actively collaborate with Senior mentorship while creating novel partnerships with budding mycologists (mentees) in the Makerere University Fungal Research Group to inform my long term goal of coordinating antifungal resistance research in the low and middle income countries. Publications from my research are found in the following link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Achan+Beatrice+

Dr. Beatrice Achan, B.D.S., M.Med (Microbiology), MRes + PhD (Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology) is a Senior Lecturer and Medical Microbiologist with further specialization in Medical Mycology in the Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda.
Dr. Achan is a graduate of the prestigious Wellcome Trust Strategic Award for Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology (WTSA-MMFI) research studentship which aimed to train exceptionally talented clinician scientists from low and middle income countries in UK Universities (MRes, University of Aberdeen, 2014 and PhD, Newcastle University, 2018). Dr. Achan was the pioneer of the WTSA-MMFI program. Upon completion of the WTSA-MMFI program, Dr. Achan returned to Uganda to conduct translational research on invasive fungal diseases which occurs in up to 20 % of the estimated 45 million Ugandans. Dr. Achanâ€™s primary research interests have been focused on antifungal resistance of HIV/AIDS associated cryptococcal meningitis and candidiasis in Uganda.
Dr. Achan also has experience of supporting regional antimicrobial resistance activities through African Society of Laboratory Medicine and, World Health Organization.
As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Achanâ€™s research has been funded by US NIH/Fogarty International Centre (MESAU-MEPI, NURTURE), EU EDCTP and Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund.

Associate Professor, MD, PhD

Ana Marisa

Fusco Almeida

Associate Professor

Universidade Estadual Paulista

Brazil

Associate Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP, Araraquara. Specializes in mycology and clinical microbiology, as well as molecular and cellular biology. Her work emphasizes pathogen-host interactions and the search for new drugs to treat infections caused by biofilms. She utilizes high-throughput screening of 3D models and omics analyses for the identification of targets, diagnostics, and therapeutics for both mono- and polymicrobial biofilms.
Links:
1. http://lattes.cnpq.br/3716273524139678
2. https://www2.fcfar.unesp.br/#!/english/faculty/profile/v/id::26/name::ana-marisa-fusco-almeida
3. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2115-8988
4. Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/403867
5. Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=12798784100
6. MyCitation: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cYjSke8AAAAJ&hl=en

.

Professor Ana Marisa Fusco Almeida is a prominent researcher and academic leader with extensive experience in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Ribeirao Preto (UNAERP), and earned her M.D and PhD in theInstitute of Chemistry (UNESP). Professor Almeida has been with the Faculdade de CiÃªncias FarmacÃªuticas da UNESP de Araraquara since 2003, where she has made significant contributions as both an educator and researcher. From 2017 to 2020, she served as the Vice-Director of the faculty, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to academic excellence. Additionally, she has been supervising the NÃºcleo de Atendimento Ã Comunidade (NAC) since 2021, focusing on community engagement and practical applications of pharmaceutical sciences. Her research interests are centered on the pathogenesis of fungi, especially those of clinical relevance such as Histoplasma, Paracoccidioides, Cryptococcus, Candida, and dermatophytes. Her work has notably advanced understanding in these areas. Professor Almeida’s academic journey is marked by numerous achievements, including various research grants and awards. Her extensive publication record and active participation in scientific conferences underscore her commitment to advancing the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Her contributions to education, research, and community service continue to have a significant impact.

Profesor

Juan Luis

Rodriguez Tudela

Vice-president/Interim CEO/Director LATAM Programs

The Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI)

Switzerland

AI/new tools, Diagnostics

Access to diagnosis and treatment of LMICs

Juan Luis Rodriguez Tudela, MD, PhD, was born in Madrid in 1958. He earned his MD from Complutense University of Madrid and specialized in Clinical Microbiology, completing his PhD studies at the Autonomous University de Madrid. In 1992, Juan Luis founded the Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory of Spain at the National Centre for Microbiology of Instituto de Salud Carlos III. He held various positions at the National Centre for Microbiology, including Director from 2000 to 2003, and Director of the Department of Bacteriology, Mycology, and Parasitology. His research has focused on fungal infections in humans, early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, standardization of antifungal susceptibility testing, resistance mechanisms, and fungal taxonomy. He co-founded Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) in 2013 and currently serves as Vice-President of the Board, acting as Interim CEO and Director of Latin-American programs. As of May 2024, Juan Luis has published 260 original articles with a Hirsch Index of 84 and 22,826 references. He has been a member of several international associations, served as Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Antifungal Subcommittee of Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of the European Committee of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AFST-EUCAST), and advised the PAHO on the Antifungal Resistance Surveillance.

Dr.

Hien

Tran

Lecture, Researcher

Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

Drug discovery, infection, cancer

I obtained PhD in South Korea in 2013 and then moved to at Lund University, Sweden in 2013 to continue my postdoc research. From 2015, I have worked with alpha lactalbumin-oleic acid complex and its clinical trial in bladder cancer patients. Moreover, I did the infection research to further investigate the new therapy to treat the bacteria resistance. The results were published in International journal of cancer in 2021, 2023 and Nature communications in 2021. In addition, I was responsible and co-leasder of the clinical trial: NCT03560479, which was approved by the FDA for phase 3 of bladder cancer drug in 2023.
I have a publication list (46 peer-reviewed publication, 33 Q1 publications, 4 patents) and L’oreal prize for young excellent woman scientist in 2015.
With experience, competent and a long track record in clinical trial, production, drug discovery, I would like to become FAILSAFE members as well as potential collaborators.

PhD

Maria da Glória Sousa

Stafocker

Assistant Professor

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Epidemiology and diagnosis of fungal diseases, mechanisms of action and resistance to antifungal drugs, mainly dermatophytes and Sporothrix spp.
Webpage: https://wwws.cnpq.br/cvlattesweb/PKG_MENU.menu?f_cod=5DC75A3A985AE61B1C2C1B3DE6A7E372#

Maria da GlÃ³ria or GlÃ³ria is an Assistant Professor of Medical Mycology at Faculdade de Medicinaâ€” Universidade de SÃ£o Paulo. She is a pharmacist and since starting her education; she has had a special interest in medical mycology. In the last 4 years, her work focuses especially on the epidemiology of onychomycosis and sporotrichosis and the resistance profile to antifungals. She is part of a international group who is studying epidemiological cutoff values for different antifungal drugs to agents of chromoblastomycosis.
She is also responsible for the Fungal Culture Collection â€œProfessor Carlos Lacazâ€ which provides samples for many researchers in Brazil and outside.

PhD

Andrea Regina

Souza Baptista

Associate Professor

Universidade Federal Fluminense

Brazil

Andrea Regina's research lines focus on the fungal agents of medical-veterinary interest in terms of biological, molecular, diagnostic, immunopathological and epidemiological aspects, with a focus on the parasite-host relationship. These investigations entangle biotechnology and innovation in the areas of â€‹â€‹human and animal health through the interaction with the Brazilian start-ups MAGTECH, NanoOnco3D and BIDiagnostics. Lately, her main research focus is hyperendemics sporotrichosis.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0461-7521

CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/9336539785452100

Scopus Author ID: 6507753161
Graduated in Biological Sciences (1992), Master in Biosciences (1995) and PhD in Genetics from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2001). Rossit, A.R.B. corresponds to previous citation in publications. PQ-CNPq Productivity Scholarship (2007-Current). Young Scientist of Our State (2012-2015). Leader of the Research Group (CNPq Group Directory) and responsible for the Laboratory of the same name “Center for Microorganism Research” at the UFF Biomedical Institute. Vice-coordinator and advisor of the Postgraduate Program in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology, she is also a member of the permanent staff in two other Postgraduate Programs at the Universidade Federal Fluminense: Veterinary Medicine and Sciences and Biotechnology. Member of the Research Advisory Committee – PROPPI/UFF – College of Life Sciences (Biological Sciences). Reviewer of national and international journals, develops research projects with national (USP, FIOCRUZ/RJ, UFRJ, UFS) and international (Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico) groups. The lines of research are aimed at identifying etiological agents of infectious diseases of medical-sanitary interest in terms of biological, molecular, diagnostic, immunopathological and epidemiological aspects, focusing on the parasite-host relationship. Works on projects on development, biotechnology and innovation in the area of human and animal health with partner companies MAGTECH, NanoOnco3D and BIDiagnostics. He has experience in the area of Molecular Biology, with an emphasis on Molecular Genetics and Microorganisms, working mainly on the following topics: microbial agents and their interaction with the human and animal host, molecular epidemiology of infectious and parasitic agents and molecular diagnosis, Sporothrix spp. and Plasmodium spp. Mother of a girl born in 1996 and a boy born in 2005. (Text provided by the author)

Professor

Michael

Bromley

Director Manchester Fungal Infection Group

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/mike.bromley

Michael Bromley is a Professor in Medical Mycology at the University of Manchester and is the Director of the Manchester Fungal Infection Group. His research focuses on drug discovery and drug resistance in fungal pathogens. While working at F2G Ltd and throughout his academic research career he has been involved in the evaluation of the antifungal drug Olorofim. He is currently leading a collaborative project to generate a genome-scale knockout mutant library in the filamentous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and is developing and employing functional genomics technologies to understand genetic and environmental drivers of pathogenicity and drug resistance in fungi.

Jessica Paulette

Segovia Mota

master degree student

Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE)

México

I'm interested in the research on the potential distribution of Coccidioides spp. in Valle de las Palmas, B. C., using different molecular techniques.

I am a biologist from the Universidad Juárez de Durango (UJED), where I cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus in agro-industrial residues, and I am currently studying a Master's Degree at CICESE in the Meritxell Riquelme's laboratory.

In my thesis project, I am looking for the presence of the fungus Coccidioides in soil samples. I love the world of fungi and even more so pathogenic fungi.

Pharm PhD

Angelica

Schreiber

Associate Professor

Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Brazil

#NAME?

Full Professor (MS5-1) of the Department of Pathology – Clinical Pathology area of the School of Medical Sciences of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). She has a degree in Biochemical Pharmacy (1986) from the State University of Londrina (UEL-PR); Master's (1992) and PhD (1996) in Pharmacy (Clinical Analysis – Microbiology area) from the University of São Paulo (USP-SP) and Post-Doctorate (2014-2015) at the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention – CDC – Royball Campus – Atlanta – Georgia – USA. She is currently responsible for the Fungal Research Laboratory (LIF), the Fungal Collection of the Department of Pathology-FCM-UNICAMP and the Microbiology Laboratory of the Clinical Pathology Division of the Hospital de Clínicas – UNICAMP. Experience in the area of Clinical Pathology, with an emphasis on Microbiology/Diagnostic Mycology, working mainly on the following topics: identification, susceptibility testing and resistance mechanisms of yeasts, opportunistic filamentous fungi and dermatophytes, against classical antifungals, synthetic products, plant extracts and essential oils (http://lattes.cnpq.br/1638332114859255)

Prof.

Edgar

Neyra

associate professor

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

Peru

Molecular Epidemiology and identification of Sporotrix schenckii, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus fumigatus. Antifungal Susceptibility testing, Implementation of rapid diagnostic test for deep mycosis in HIV patients.

I am a biologist, with a master's degree in Biochemistry and completed PhD studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Lima-Peru) , I have a diploma in Medical and Veterinary Mycology (ITG-Prince Leopold-Belgium). I currently teach the Mycology course for the School of Medical Technology and participate in research projects in medical mycology. I have participated in projects on Sporotrichosis, Cryptococcosis, Aspergillosis and currently in a program to implement diagnostic tests on Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis in Peru.

Fabian

Amalraj

Associate Professor

IMU University

Malaysia

https://scholar.google.com.my/citations?user=Kksjpu0AAAAJ&hl=en
Infectious diseases, Microbiology, nanoscale antimicrobials.

I Dr. Fabian Davamani's research in Microbiology spans a wide array of topics, focusing on microbial biofilms, antimicrobial agents, and the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity. My work explores the intricate interactions between microbes and their environments, particularly with human health and disease. To combat persistent infections, I have contributed significantly to understanding biofilm formation and investigating novel antimicrobial strategies, such as chitosan-flavonoid nanoformulations. Additionally, I worked on the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial pathogenesis and, the role of biofilms in chronic infections, and other clinically relevant pathogens with diabetic foot ulcers (ongoing). My research also extends to exploring natural compounds, like lactoferricin B peptide and madecassoside, pediocins, mangostein and porpolis for their potential therapeutic effects against microbial infections and associated diseases. Through publication records and research grants, I could contribute valuable insights into combating microbial infections and improving public health. Recently I have also developed a virtual Microbiology immersive and interactive platform to learn basic techniques in Microbiology, (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-63601-y)

Dr.

James

Venturini

Professor

Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul

Brazil

Biomarker, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Sporothrix

My main research interests encompass several critical areas within the field of medical mycology, including:

– Pulmonary fibrosis in paracoccidioidomycosis: Investigating the pathological mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions for lung fibrosis caused by paracoccidioidomycosis.
– Immunodiagnosis of endemic and opportunistic mycoses: Evaluating diagnostic techniques to accurately detect fungal infections that are either endemic or arise opportunistically in vulnerable populations.
– Aspergillus resistance to antifungals: Studying the prevalence and mechanisms behind the resistance of Aspergillus species to antifungal treatments, aiming to improve therapeutic strategies.
– Host-pathogen interactions in fungal infections: Understanding the complex interactions between fungal pathogens and their hosts, which is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventive measures.
– Inborn errors of immunity in immunocompetent patients affected by fungal infections: Exploring the genetic and immunological factors that predispose otherwise healthy individuals to severe fungal infections, focusing on the identification of inborn errors of immunity.

I hold a degree in Biological Sciences from São Paulo State University (Unesp) and have completed both my Master Thesis and Ph.D. in Tropical Diseases at the same institution. Following my doctorate, I pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in Immunology at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. Currently, I serve as an Associate Professor in the School of Medicine, specializing in Immunology, at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS).
In addition to my teaching and research responsibilities, I am the Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine at UFMS. I also head the Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Laboratories at the same institution. My research efforts have been recognized by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) in Brazil, where I hold a Productivity Research Fellowship.

Mr.

Bram

Spruijtenburg

PhD Candidate

Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital

The Netherlands

My research is fully focused on medical mycology with special interest to yeast species and Sporothrix species. Common techniques are mainly molecular like genotyping, identification and whole genome sequencing.

Bram Spruijtenburg obtained his bachelor of science in molecular biology in the Netherlands. After working for two years as a research technician at the Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, he started his PhD in medical Mycology. His research mainly focussed on epidemiological and resistance of yeast and Sporothrix species.

Neil

McCarthy

Senior Lecturer in Immunology

Queen Mary University of London

The McCarthy lab studies host–pathogen interactions at mucosal surfaces, with a particular focus on γδ T-cells and their role in gut barrier protection against microbial infection and inflammation. The ultimate aim of this work is to understand how γδ T-cell function becomes dysregulated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and could potentially be restored by novel agonist / antagonist immunotherapies.

Neil completed his PhD in mucosal immunology at Imperial College London before conducting post-doctoral research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) under the guidance of Prof Stella Knight at St. Mark’s Hospital London, one of the world’s first specialist centres for intestinal disorders. He later joined the laboratory of Dr Andy Stagg at QMUL where he developed his interests in γδ T-cells and their emerging role in immune regulation of the human gut, leading to a number of high-profile publications and a series of early career researcher prizes from both UK and international scientific societies. Neil was subsequently awarded an MRC Career Development Fellowship to establish an independent research lab at The Blizard Institute, where his team now investigates how γδ T-cells protect mucosal barriers against microbial invasion and inflammation, as well as studying the pathological disruption of these functions in patients with IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).

PhD

MELISSA Orzechowski

XAVIER

Professor of Mycology

Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG)

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Outreach, Sporothrix

links:
Site: https://labmicofamedfurg.com.br (under construction)
Instagram @labmicofamedfurg;

Research interests
Sporothrix brasiliensis and sporotrichosis; Aspergillus and aspergillosis; Histoplasmosis;
Diagnostic of fungal infection;
Antifungal resistance;
Pre-clinical tests of new potential antifungal drugs;
Environmental sources of fungal infections;
One Health Mycology

I have been working in the medical mycology field since 2001 in the One Health context focused in fungal diseases. In 2009 I was admitted for a vacancy of Professor of Mycology at the Faculty of Medicine from Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), where I am currently the leader of the Medical Mycology FAMED-FURG Research Group. Our group is continuously working in human and animal fungal diseases, always with interinstitutional partnerships. We also have been producing educational material (comic books, games, etc) outreach and lectures concerning fungal disease for our regional communities and for health professionals focused on reduce the underdiagnosis of distinct mycoses. Our lab is also responsible for the diagnostic tests applied routinely to investigate fungal diseases on patients from the Universitary Hospital of Rio Grande (HU-FURG/EBSERH). I worked as a mentor of more than 20 students (M.Sc. and/or PhD degrees) and have authored or co-authored more than 120 published full articles or chapters on the mycology field. In the last years, I also had the opportunity to increase our network working with Dr. David Stevens, at the CIMR, as a Visiting Professor for six months, collaborating and improving knowledge and experience on the medical mycology field.

Adeyinka

Odebode

Research Scientist

Kampala International University

Uganda

Antifungal resistance,
Aerobiology
Fungal Biotechnology
Fungal pathogenesis
Climate Change and health

I am an Environmental Mycologist with research interest in the field of Aerobiology, Environmental Health and Fungal biotechnology. I hold a PhD in Mycology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. I am also passionate about how climate change affect humans, and the environment.

Clinical Research Consultant

Nazish

urooj

Project Manager

Aga Khan University

Pakistan

I AM INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ANTI FUNGALS AND HOW LMICS CAN BE BENEFITTED FROM THEM

As a science graduate with a strong foundation, I am currently furthering my education by pursuing a Master's degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at AKU. With over 13 years of extensive experience in clinical research, I have honed my skills and expertise in the field. Throughout my career, I have undergone various levels of training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and have actively participated in projects such as the IHI Project Management.

Notably, I have successfully managed numerous phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials multinational, showcasing my proficiency in executing research protocols and ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance. My dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes drives my passion for epidemiology and biostatistics, as I aim to contribute significantly to the field through my academic pursuits and practical experience.

Ms.

Beatriz

Andrade

Infectious diseases pharmacist

Hospital Pequeno Príncipe

Brazil

– pediatric ID
– PK/PD
– antimicrobial stewardship, focusing on antifungal

Infectious diseases clinical pharmacist currently acting at a pediatric reference, high complexity hospital. Experience with antimicrobial stewardship and research focusing on optimization of antimicrobials based on PK/PD and patient outcomes. Currently researching systemic antifungal access to low resource pediatric setting and looking for fundings to implement a Care Pathway for pediatric Invasive Fungal Infections.

Full Professor

Carlos Henrique Gomes

Martins

Professor

Universidade Federal de Uberlândia

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

I conduct research on the antimicrobial activity of natural products, using in vitro models, with a focus on medicinal plants. However, we also work with venoms, peptides, and inorganic compounds (coordination compounds). These natural products often contain bioactive components that exhibit antimicrobial properties and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices.

In this regard, our research team, consisting of undergraduate and graduate students, evaluates the efficacy of natural products against a wide range of microorganisms, including drug-resistant strains, mycobacteria, fungi and pathogens responsible for oral infections such as dental caries and periodontitis (anaerobes). Our goal is to discover new antimicrobial agents or develop alternative treatments to combat infectious diseases.

For these studies, we employ various techniques such as well or cylinder diffusion assays, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, kinetics of microbial death, antibiofilm assays, and the synergistic effects of combining natural products with conventional antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents. These methods help us assess the effectiveness of these products or compounds against specific pathogens. We also evaluate the in vivo toxicity of compounds using the C. elegans model.

http://www.icbim.ufu.br/pessoas/docentes/carlos-henrique-gomes-martins

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8634-6878

Web of Science ResearcherID: B-8937-2012

CV Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/8076024656192550

Carlos Henrique Gomes Martins is a biomedical doctor specializing in Microbiology, with a career dedicated to research and the study of new antimicrobial agents. He currently coordinates the Laboratory of Antimicrobial Assays (LEA) at the Federal University of UberlÃ¢ndia (UFU, UberlÃ¢ndia/Brazil), where he leads projects focused on the exploitation of natural products for the control of microorganisms. His expertise covers microbiological techniques for assessing antimicrobial activity both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, he plays a key role in training new researchers, guiding students from scientific initiation to post-doctoral supervision.

The LEA has a collection of microorganisms, including, microbial groups: standard strains and clinical isolates:

Mycobacteria (M. tuberculosis, M. avium, M. kansassii, etc.)

Multidrug resistant bacteria

Oral diseases – tooth decay

-Endodontitis – anaerobic

-Periodontitis – anaerobic

Bacteria that cause skin infections

Bacteria that cause intestinal infections – diarrhea

Bacteria causing infections in plants – phytopathogens

Bacteria causing respiratory tract infections

Gastric ulcer – Helicobacter pylori

Infections in animals (mastitis)

Yeasts

Filamentous fungi

Plínio

Trabasso

Associate Professor

Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Brazil

Paracoccidioidomycosis
Aspergillus fumigatus
Deep-seated Candida infection
Fusariosis
Antifungal resistance

http://lattes.cnpq.br/0680430100784782

Bridget

Barker

Principal Investigator

Northern Arizona University

USA

Coccidioides, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, emerging Onygenalean pathogens

https://www.bridgetbarker.com
https://directory.nau.edu/person/bmb389

Dr. Bridget Barker received her B.A. and M.S. from the University of Montana in the Division of Biological Sciences, and she completed her Ph.D. in Genetics at the University of Arizona in 2009 on genomics of Coccidioides spp. She completed her postdoctoral work at Montana State University in the lab of Dr. Robert Cramer from 2009-2013. In 2013, she joined the faculty at TGEN-North, and in 2016 she became tenure track faculty at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI) in the Department of Biological Sciences. In 2020, she was promoted to Associate Professor and in 2024 promoted to full Professor. Dr. Barker has extensive experience with genomics, bioinformatics, population and molecular genetics, and evolutionary biology. Her background in microbiology, work with fungal pathogens, and computational biology allowed her to develop and bring these new techniques to the field of Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) research and development of the first vaccine for a fungal disease.

Jussemara

Souza da Silva

Infectious Disease Doctor

University of Andorra

Brasil

Interest in medical mycology, including those affecting immunosuppressed patients due to HIV, cancer, and chemotherapy. I am also interested in the antigunfal resistance mechanisms. I am currently studying histoplasmosis and aspergillosis and learning about other fungal diseases.

I am an infectious disease doctor interested in research about medical mycology, the manifestation and treatment of immunosuppressed patients, and treatment optimization, besides antifungal resistance and environmental changes.

Ph.D.

Reginaldo Gonçalves

Lima-Neto

Professor and Researcher

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Peru

Diagnosis and epidemiology of fungal infections. Evaluation of bioactivity compounds with antifungal potential. Proteomic analysis involved in antifungal resistance on planktonic cells and biofilm. Typing of clinical and environmental fungal strains.

CAREER AND EDUCATION
2004 â€“ Bachelor in Biological Sciences, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE)
2007 â€“ Master Degree in Fungal Biology 2011 â€“ PhD Thesis in Fungal Biology 2008-2013 Supervisor of Laboratory of Public Health in state of Pernambuco, Brazil 2009-2013 Assistant Professor, Medical Microbiology, Virology and Mycology, Mauricio de Nassau University
2013-2019 Assistant Professor, Depart. of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE)
2013 â€“ Member of the Brazilian Society of Mycology
2013 â€“ Permanent Member of the Postgraduate Program in Fungi Biology, Center of Biosciences, UFPE
2013 â€“ Preceptor of Mycology in the Medical Residence in Dermatology, Hospital of Clinics, UFPE
2019 â€“ Associate Professor, Center for Medical Sciences (CCM), UFPE
2019 â€“ Permanent Member of the Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, CCM, UFPE
2023 â€“ Head of Postgraduate Program in Tropical of Medicine, CCM, UFPE

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
109 international publications (25% first/last author), 24 book chapters and 13 patents
h Index: 16, citations : 904
International academic collaborations – Nantes University (France)/IICiMed team
Minho University (Portugal)/Micoteca of Minho University
PhD Supervised: 08 /PhD supervisions in progress: 06
MSc Supervised: 10 / Master supervisions in progress: 01

Professor

Yaxsier

de Armas

Researcher/Full professor

Universidad de Guadalajara

Mexico

Dr. Yaxsier de Armas Rodríguez is a biochemistry researcher specialized in Molecular Biology, mainly diagnostic, resistance and molecular characterization of fungi. He currently serves as an expert in Pneumocystis in the Hospital of “Pedro Kourí ” Institute of Tropical Medicine, La Habana, Cuba. Also, he works with identification and detection of resistance in dermatophytes, Histoplasma and Sporothrix in University of Guadalajara.
Current research web page or staff profile page:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yaxsier-Armas.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=5EHiOxsAAAAJ&hl=es
https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/783561/overview

Dr. Yaxsier de Armas Rodríguez is a biochemistry researcher. He has also studied Epidemiology and Vector Control/Medical Entomology and holds a PhD in Health Science. He has published over 85 papers in peer-reviewed international journals with references focusing on Microbiology, Epidemiology, Entomology and Molecular Biology, and has presented over 100 papers in national and international conferences. He served as an expert in Pneumocystis jirovecii in the Hospital of “Pedro Kourí ” Institute of Tropical Medicine, La Habana, Cuba. Dr de Armas is a full professor at the University of Guadalajara with a line of research in fungal infections. He was recently named as a Researcher of the Mexican National System (Level 1).

Doctor

ALDO APARECIDO

PROIETTI-JUNIOR

Professor

Universidade Federal do Amapá

Brazil

One-Health
Antimicrobial resistance
Laboratory tech

Prof. Dr. Aldo Aparecido Proietti Junior âˆ´
PhD in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, MSc in Microbiology, Biochemistry Pharmacist, Professor at Federal University of AmapÃ¡, Biochemistry at State Government of AmapÃ¡, Brazil
CV Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/7819955376854773
Coordinator of the Special Laboratory of Applied Microbiology – Ordinance NÂ°1051/2014-UNIFAP

Lovely

Gupta

PhD

Amity University Uttar Pradesh

India

1. Investigating the potential of targeting cell wall integrity and signaling pathways as a novel drug
target in Aspergillus fumigatus.
2. Exploring the impact of natural products and identifying small molecules on virulence determinants
associated with the cell wall of Aspergillus fumigatus.
3. Targeting virulence determinants of rice blast-causing fungi Curvularia lunata and Magnaporthe
oryzae using bioactive compounds.
4. Understanding the resistance patterns of Aspergillus spp. and Mucorale spp. fungi in the
environment towards azole pesticides.
5. Utilizing an in silico approach to predict the properties and structural characteristics of proteins, as
well as studying ligand interactions, to advance drug discovery and development efforts.

Lovely Gupta, Ph.D. in Biotechnology, is a dedicated researcher with profound expertise in fungal pathogenesis, antimicrobials, and molecular biology. She recently defended her Ph.D. thesis on the "Determination of Antifungal Activity of Plant-Derived Small Molecules and Their Analogs Against Aspergillus fumigatus" at Amity University, INDIA. Dr. Gupta's research focuses on combating human pathogenic fungi, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, by identifying drug targets and understanding resistance pathways.
During her academic journey, she held key roles at the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, contributing significantly to government-funded projects aimed at identifying antifungal molecules and investigating bio-pesticide formulations. Her work extends to studying resistant isolates of A. fumigatus and Mucorales, focusing on natural bioactive compounds.
Dr. Gupta has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and is an active reviewer for several scientific publications. Her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge is further reflected in her mentorship of students and her active participation in international conferences, where she has been recognized with awards for her outstanding research contributions. Dr. Gupta is poised to make significant contributions to the field of biotechnology and fungal research.

PhD

Kasim

Allel

Researcher

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

https://www.herc.ox.ac.uk/team/kasim-allel

My research focuses on developing mathematical and health-economic models to study antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission in low- and middle-income countries. My work examines the influence of socioeconomic, environmental, and spatial factors on AMR transmission and its subsequent health and economic impacts. I am keen on integrating transmission modelling into health-economic evaluations to enhance surveillance and intervention strategies applicable to AMR and a broader group of infectious diseases. Currently, I am exploring the incidence of fungal infections, and their susceptibility levels, in Chile, as well as identifying patient’s burden in hospitals, particularly for candidemia. Before HERC, University of Oxford, I was at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where I analysed the heightened burden of AMR in bloodstream infection patients and evaluated interventions to mitigate health and economic impacts in under-resourced settings. He also served as a consultant for the WHO at University College London, working on projects related to tuberculosis spread modelling, rapid testing technologies, and treatment strategies for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Prof

Carla

Pagliari

Researcher

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Immunology and pathology of infectious diseases. Study of cells, cytokines and molecules related to pathogenesis of infectious diseases, through identification in tissue specimens.

I am a researcher at the Laboratory of Pathology of Communicable Diseases, Department of Pathology, FMUSP, and a Professor at the Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo (FMUSP). Since 2002, after completing my doctoral thesis on immunological aspects of skin lesions in paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), I established my field of research in this area, considering the immunohistochemical study of the in situ immune response not only in PCM, but also in other mycosis and tropical diseases. Also, my students and I have been working in the immunopathogenic aspects of chromoblastomycosis. I am a collaborating researcher at the Department of Dermatology, FMUSP, where I am an advisor for master’s and doctoral program in postgraduate studies. With a group of researchers from Amazonia region, I have been participating in the study of immune and pathogenic aspects of Jorge Lobo’s disease, leprosy and leishmaniasis. I am a permanent advisor for scientific initiation, master’s and doctorate degrees in the Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences at the Institute of Medical Assistance to State Public Servants of São Paulo (IAMSPE).

Dr.

Arryn

Craney

Lab Director

MiraVista Diagnostics

United States

Non-culture based diagnostics for infectious diseases

Dr. Arryn Craney, PhD, D(ABMM), is a clinical microbiologist and educator with research interests in improving diagnostic methodologies for infectious diseases.

PhD

Iran

Malavazi

Principal Investigator

Universidade Federal de São Carlos

Brazil

Aspergillus fumigatus, antifugal molecules, cell wall integrity, virulence

Iran Malavazi is currently an Associate Professor at the Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos Campus, where he works in the Department of Genetics and Evolution, coordinating his research laboratory with a focus on the study of fungi of medical and biotechnological interest. He holds a degree in Biochemical Pharmacy with a specialization in Clinical and Toxicological Analyses from São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP) (2001) and a master’s degree in Biotechnology from the same university (2003). In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in Biosciences Applied to Pharmacy from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP-USP), where he studied signaling pathways in response to DNA damage in the model organism Aspergillus nidulans. From 2007 to 2009, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of São Paulo, focusing on genes related to the calcineurin signaling pathway in Aspergillus fumigatus. From 2019 to 2020, he undertook a second postdoctoral fellowship at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth (NH, USA), where he studied the transcription factor RlmA, involved in the cell wall integrity pathway of Aspergillus fumigatus. He was a FAPESP Young Investigator (2010-2015) and has extensive experience in Genetics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology of fungi, primarily studying cellular signaling pathways in the filamentous fungus and opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. His research also involves the search for molecules with antifungal activity, as well as the study of materials and biomaterials with antimicrobial properties.nMalavazi is a member of the National Institute of Science and Technology for Human Pathogenic Fungi (INCT-FUNVIR) and a CNPq Productivity Fellow

Professor and Senior Associate Dean

Joshua

Nosanchuk

Physician-Scientist-Administer-Educator

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

United States

Immunology of fungal extracellular vesicles; Candida auris interactions with immune cells; fungal melanin with a focus on cryptococcosis

Leadership: Dr. Nosanchuk is an internationally regarded leader in undergraduate medical education, serving most recently as the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education at Einstein. From 2020-2023, he led a complete revision of the MD program curriculum that included launching new required longitudinal courses on service learning, scholarship, and health systems sciences and health equity, and transforming the training phases to a 17-month pre-clinical period followed by 12-months of clerkships and 18-months of individualized professional development. Dr. Nosanchuk has received diverse education and leadership awrds from Einstein and medical/scientific societies. Dr. Nosanchuk serves on diverse external education and society committees, including being a member of the Executive Board of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Basic Science Laboratory: There are two main areas of research in the Nosanchuk laboratory: fungal pathogenesis and innovative therapeutic development.
Fungal diseases are a major global health threat, resulting in over 1.5 million deaths annually. A dramatic rise in fungal disease incidence over the past few decades is directly associated with the growing numbers of immunocompromised individuals, particularly patients receiving chemo- or immuno-therapy, recovering from invasive surgery, or individuals with HIV/AIDS, and is also a consequence of climate change. Despite the increased prevalence of mycotic diseases, there remains an enormous gap in knowledge and our current therapeutic armamentarium all too often fails to eradicate these insidious pathogens. The Nosanchuk laboratory is investigating the pathogenesis of human pathogenic fungi, especially Histoplasma capsulatum, Candida parapsilosis, Candida auris and Cryptococcus neoformans. Currently, we are focusing on 1) the role of melanin production on pathogenesis; 3) deciphering the impact of extracellular release of vesicles from fungi, which contain numerous products associated with virulence; 3) how antibody can modify fungal disease outcomes.
A second focus area of the laboratory is on innovative approaches to combat 1) fungal and bacterial infections and 2) wound healing, leveraging the delivery of compounds via antibody or nanoparticles. We have generated pre-clinical vaccines against fungi, created diagnostics for mycoses, and a variety of nano- and micro-particle-based antimicrobial compounds.

Ludmila

Baltazar

Professor

Universidade Federal de Goiás

Brazil

As a medical mycologist, I work with both filamentous fungi and yeast cells. My research interests are (1) fungal-host interactions by in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (murine models) approaches; (2) production of virulence factors by fungi of medical importance; (3) analysis of susceptibility profile against antifungal drugs; (4) methods to diagnostic etiologic agents of mycosis; (5) production of extracellular vesicles by fungi of medical importance and their role in the fungal-host interactions; (6) epidemiology of mycosis from samples analyzed at Professor Margarida Doble Komma Laboratory at IPTPS/UFG. Web page: @labmicol

Since I was an undergraduate student, I have been working with fungi of medical importance, studying the production of virulence factors, such as melanin, or its impact on host interactions, both by in vitro and in vivo approaches. During my PhD, I worked with filamentous fungi and yeast, Trichophyton rubrum, and Paracoccidiodies brasiliensis, respectively. During my postdoctoral fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, I started to work with extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are membrane vesicles released by microorganisms (such as fungi) that carry several molecules important to modulate host machinery enabling either the pathogens to be controlled by the host immune system or, evade from their defenses. Nowadays, I’m a professor at the Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health (IPTSP) from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), the main institution of higher education in the Midwest of Brazil. At the Laboratory of Mycology, I’m the head of the team studying pathogenic fungi and their fungus-host interactions. My team works with Paracoccidiodies spp., evaluating the production of EVs by the fungal cell under different growth conditions, such as metal deprivation, and its interaction with the host, both by in vitro and in vivo approaches. Further, we are investigating the microbiota of several hot springs from Goiás state and analyzing the virulence traits of the fungi isolated from these places. In addition, we are standardizing the protocols to train the team of Professor Margarida Doble Komma Laboratory at IPTPS/UFG on approaches for isolating and identifying agents of mycosis in clinical samples from Clinical Hospital/UFG.

Karen

Shaw

President

Heart Consulting, LLC

United States

Antifungal drug discovery and development

I am an experienced consultant to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as well as academia, with expertise in all stages of antibacterial and antifungal drug discovery and preclinical development. My specialties also include a) due diligence and evaluation of in-licensing and venture capital investment opportunities, b) writing microbiology sections for regulatory filings and c) grant and contract writing to support research and development aims. I have a solid understanding of the translation of basic research into drug candidates through direct research experience, as well as by serving on the CARB-X Advisory Board and as an ad hoc reviewer on over 15 NIH study sections.
Prior to serving as an independent advisor, my scientific leadership in infectious disease drug discovery and development includes 30 years of research experience at Schering-Plough, Johnson & Johnson, Trius and Amplyx. I am an author/co-author of over 100 scientific publications and have several issued patents.
Specialties: Antibacterial and antifungal drug discovery and development, bacteriophage as therapeutic agents, microbial genetics and physiology, antibiotic resistance, natural product discovery (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-joy-shaw-24a0822/)

Associate Professor

Rita

Oladele

Clinical microbiologist

University of Lagos

Nigeria

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Oladele+R

Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Clinical Microbiologist with 15+ years of experience at the University of Lagos. Her key research interests are invasive fungal infections, critically ill patients and advanced HIV disease (AHD). Dr Oladele has been instrumental to mapping the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections in Nigeria. She has conducted capacity building programs for clinicians and laboratory scientists across the Nigeria and selected African countries with over a 1000 trained. Currently conducting fungal diseases surveillance in 9 sites in Nigeria and one in Ghana. Runs a telemedicine centre for invasive fungal infections and established the first Mycology Reference laboratory in Nigeria. Chair, Pan Africa Mycology Working Group. Fellow, European Confederation of Medical Mycology.

Dallas

Smith

Epidemiologist

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA)

United States

Main research interests include fungal neglected tropical diseases and antifungal stewardship.

Dr. Dallas Smith is an epidemiologist with the Mycotic Diseases Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He obtained his PharmD from the University of Findlay in 2017 and his MAS from Johns Hopkins University in 2023. Prior to coming to CDC, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cambodia (2017-2019) and Malawi (2019-2020). He was a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer in the class of 2021. Dr. Smith’s serves as the subject matter expert for fungal neglected tropical diseases and leads the branch’s antifungal stewardship activities.

Manoj

Jadhav

Founder and CEO

Commercial Organisation

ISHA Therapeutics LLC

United States

We are working on repurposing some of the promising anti-fungal drugs that will directly benefit the patients.

Dr. Jadhav is responsible for strategic, scientific planning and business functions for the organization. Dr. Jadhav brings more than twelve years of experience in academic and industry research, pharmaceutical development and regulatory affairs experience in US, India with small molecules and peptides therapeutics.
Before starting this company, he served as the Vice President clinical development and business strategy at CRC Pharma based in Parsippany, New Jersey. He has contributed to several drug development programs for both NCEs and 505(b)((2) across different therapeutics areas.
Dr. Jadhav has represented the Sponsors at the US-FDA for several pre-IND meetings, at the Division of Anti-infectives, Cardiovascular and Renal products, CNS, Dermatology, Pharmaceutical Quality, Oncology etc.
He is a trained clinical pharmacologist with extensive experience in planning, designing, execution and interpretation of clinical studies (prospective, retrospective, interventional and observational) in the area of, cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. He was part of successful team which developed first Indian liposomal amphotericin B (Fungisome TM) which is launched in Indian market. Dr. Jadhav has over twenty-five peer-reviewed publications, co-edited a book, have made numerous posters and oral presentations internationally. Dr. Jadhav received his PhD in Pharmaceutics from Bombay College of Pharmacy and KEM Hospital at the University of Mumbai, India and did his Post-doctoral Fellowship at the Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

Karen

Norris

Professor

University of Georgia

United States

https://nxtbiologics.com/

Karen Norris, is professor of Infectious Diseases and the Charles H. Wheatley Chair in Immunology & Translational Biomedical Research at the Center for Vaccines and Immunology at the University of Georgia. Her laboratory has developed and is testing a broadly protective vaccine and immunotherapeutic agents to prevent and treat fungal infections, including pulmonary aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis. She holds patents for related technologies and her work has led to the establishment of NXT Biologics, Inc, a company whose goal is the advancement of life-saving vaccines and immunotherapies for fungal diseases.

Mrs

Victoria

Murray

Medical student

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

United States

Tropical disease, fungal infections in immunocompromised patients
Fungal diagnostics
Neuro-ID

I am a third-year medical student at Rowan-Virtua SOM interested in neuro-infectious disease and fungal diagnostics. I have previously worked at UCSF Ward 86, JHU CFAR, and University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology on a variety of HIV or infectious disease diagnostics projects and serve on a working group with Cooper Medical School for fungal diagnostics as well as a Berkeley/MIT journal club supporting an overlay journal for preprints in global infectious disease. I am also very interested in collaborating on patient education material in a variety of languages.
My LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-wong-b4808865/
My OrcID is https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4479-2359
My Google Scholar profile is https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=-5BzMDgAAAAJ

Julio Cesar

Zuniga-Moya

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Washington University in St. Louis

United States

My research is focused on leveraging retrospective data to respond to research questions that are not likely able to be answered by randomized controlled trials in medical mycology.

I am a general practitioner trained in Honduras with a master’s degree in public health focused on Epidemiology from the University of Michigan in the USA. My background mainly involves research on influenza viruses and invasive fungal infections. My research interests primarily focus on utilizing methodological tools from Epidemiology in clinical mycology. I am interested in leveraging administrative insurance and hospital databases to investigate research questions about the incidence, treatment, and other outcomes among individuals diagnosed with invasive fungal infections. I plan to expand the utilization of these databases in medical mycology and complement research questions that cannot be addressed through randomized controlled trials.

Rae

Wake

Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Infection

Saint George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London

Invasive fungal infections in advanced HIV disease
Cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis
Antifungal resistant Candida
Combination antifungal therapy
Clinical trials

I am an infectious diseases doctor and researcher with an aim to optimise the management of invasive fungal infections, particularly in the context of advanced HIV disease (AHD) and in resource-limited settings. Following undergraduate qualifications in Medicine (BM, University of Southampton) and International Health (BSc, UCL), I have completed specialist clinical training in infectious diseases and medical microbiology and have worked in the NHS for 15 years, including periods overseas in South Sudan, DRC, Haiti and South Africa. My PhD research on HIV-related cryptococcosis, funded by multiple awards including the Meningitis Research Foundation, has driven the cryptococcal screening research agenda, underpinning two international RCTs and prompting guideline change. During a NIHR Lectureship, I have continued to build knowledge to optimise screening and management of people with AHD, as a member of a NIHR Global Health Group for HIV-related Fungal Infections, building supportive evidence and ideas to address antifungal resistant candida infections, with the Mycology Research Group at SGUL. I now lead the Wellcome-funded COMBAT Candida programme in South Africa, investigating combination treatment for Candida bloodstream infections and an NIHR/Gates-funded cohort study characterising infective causes of illness in hospitalised patients with advanced HIV disease.

Prof. Emeritus

David

Stevens

Research & education

Stanford University

United States

biology, pathogenesis, immunology, epidemiology and therapy of fungal infections

David A. Stevens, MD is Professor (Emeritus) of Medicine,Stanford University Medical School, and was Chief of an affiliated teaching hospital’s Infectious Diseases service, Hospital Epidemiologist, and Co-Director, Microbiology Laboratory, for 42 years. He is President of the California Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), San Jose, Principal Investigator of its Infectious Disease Research Laboratory (named and dedicated to him in 2022) engaged in laboratory and clinical research with fellows for 50 years, and Director of its Clinical Laboratories. His group studies the biology, pathogenesis, immunology, epidemiology and therapy of fungal infections. He is an author of >750 full articles, editorials and book chapters, and an approximately equal number of abstracts

Felix

Asena

Clinical Microbiologist

Kenya Defense Forces Memorial Hospital

Kenya

Infectious Diseases
Antimicrobial Resistance

As a Clinical Microbiologist with nine years of experience specializing in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and infectious diseases. With a strong focus on the intersection of clinical practice and public health, I have contributed to various research projects aimed at understanding and combating AMR, particularly in fungal pathogens. My work has involved developing innovative diagnostic tools and treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes in resource-limited settings. As an advocate for global health equity, I have actively collaborated with international organizations to improve access to essential diagnostics and therapeutics in low- and middle-income countries. My passion for education and capacity-building has led to numerous training initiatives aimed at empowering local healthcare professionals to tackle AMR challenges effectively. I am eager to connect with fellow FAILSAFE members and potential collaborators to share insights and drive impactful solutions in the fight against fungal AMR, ensuring better health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Prof

Adilia

Warris

Co-director MRC CMM

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Specific areas of interest include the host-fungus interaction in specific patient groups with an emphasis on Aspergillus species; the unique interaction of A. nidulans and the CGD host, Aspergillus infections in people with cystic fibrosis, the development of new management strategies for invasive fungal disease in children, the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections in children, and the pharmacology of antifungals in paediatrics.

I am a professor in paediatric infectious diseases with a specific interest in medical mycology. I am co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter and a consultant in paediatric infectious diseases in Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
My research profile has a strong translational focus and specific areas of interest include the host-fungus interaction in specific patient groups with an emphasis on Aspergillus species; the unique interaction of A. nidulans and the CGD host, Aspergillus infections in people with cystic fibrosis, the development of new management strategies for invasive fungal disease in children, the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections in children, and the pharmacology of antifungals in paediatrics.

I co-lead the clinical mycology theme of the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, and I am the director of training of the Exeter BRC.

I chair the European Paediatric Mycology Network (EPMyN) through which post-graduate courses in Paediatric Mycology are coordinated as well as multi-center European studies to obtain a better insight in the fungal and clinical epidemiology of fungal infections in neonates and children. I am leading the Fungal Infection Working Group within PENTA Child Health and I am a member of the Scientific Steering Group.

I am president-elect of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases.

Angela

Botes

Senior lecturer / Research PI

University of Witwatersrand

South Africa

CURRENT PATHOGEN ASSOCIATED RESEARCH
The rise of antifungal resistance (AFR) is an emerging threat that is already being felt across the developing world. In sub-Saharan Africa for example, cryptococcosis (caused by the basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus neoformans) is currently the second leading cause of death in adults living with HIV (also responsible for 15% of HIV‐associated deaths worldwide) (Rajasingham et al., 2017). Similarly, 91% of all clinical Candida auris on the African continent display resistance towards the readily available antifungal, fluconazole (Osaigbovo et al., 2023). This growing resistance toward conventional treatment strategies demands the development and implementation of alternative approaches.
Virulence factors (VFs) are the molecules produced by pathogens that increase the ability of pathogens to cause disease (Pirofski, et al., 2015; Zaragoza, 2019). Examples of VFs include the ability to form biofilms, capsule production, drug efflux systems and the secretion of extracellular enzymes such as phospholipases, proteases and ureases. Interestingly, VFs are not deemed essential for cell survival and as such are exposed to less evolutionary pressures when targeted. Ultimately weaker selective pressure significantly reduces the evolution of compound resistance, making VFs excellent targets for alternative antifungal treatments (Kronstad et al., 2011; Zaragoza, 2019).
Lastly, traditional antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programs have largely excluded fungi as they were not considered a great public health threat (Fisher et al., 2020; Rodrigues et al., 2020). This exclusion is also likely due to the nature of AFR acquisition. Unlike prokaryotes that spread defined antibiotic resistance genes harboured on plasmids, fungi rely on chromosomal mutations that often cause an over or under expression of drug targets or drug eliminating structures such as efflux pumps (Baker et al., 2018; Fisher et al., 2018; Fisher et al., 2022). Nonetheless, the prevalence of AFR within the environment should be monitored.
We have several research projects within the laboratory are focused on aspects of combating AMR:
 The identification of novel natural or synthetic compounds that possess activity towards select fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, C. auris, Cryptococcus gattii, C. neoformans and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.
 The identification of novel natural or synthetic compounds that target select fungal VFs such as biofilm formation, capsule production, efflux pump activity and laccase and urease activity.
 The isolation and antimicrobial resistance profiling of microorganisms found within select ecological niches in South Africa.
 And lastly, the isolation of Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs) from the environment that can effectively prey upon Gram negative ESKAPE pathogens (potentially serving as live antibiotics).

CURRENT MICROBIOME ASSOCIATED RESEARCH
With the dawn of next generation sequencing (NGS) we have been able to gain a substantially deeper understanding of the role microorganisms play in our daily lives. Microbiome studies now span from ecological to clinical settings.
We currently employ a variety of omic strategies to identify the microbial players as well as their functional capabilities across a variety of ecosystems. The projects include:
 Characterization of the PDAC bacteriome in terms of bacterial diversity (amplicon sequencing) and metabolic capability (whole metagenome sequencing).
 Characterization of the lichen microbiome in terms of microbial diversity (amplicon sequencing) and metabolic capability (whole metagenome sequencing). This data set could form of an AMR surveillance program.
 We have also partnered with Ab InBev on a project that tracked the shift of the microbiome associated with barley during long-term storage. The microbiome was studied over a nine-month period and characterized in terms of microbial diversity (amplicon sequencing), metabolic capability (whole metagenome sequencing) and metabolic functionality (proteome sequencing). This data set could form of an AMR surveillance program.
LINKS:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1245-2525
https://www.wits.ac.za/people/academic-a-z-listing/b/angelaboteswitsacza/

Dr Botes obtained her PhD in Microbiology at Stellenbosch University in 2014. After two Postdoctoral tenures (University of Stellenbosch and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), she was appointed as a Lecturer within the School of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB), University of the Witwatersrand in July 2017.
Her research interests lie in the area of molecular mycology, with a strong emphasis on pathobiomes. Antifungal resistance is on the rise, with developing countries facing the greatest risk. By combining classical microbiological techniques (growth analyses, MICs) with various metagenomic technologies (transcriptomes, proteomics) we hope to elucidate the molecular processes and mechanisms associated with fungal survival and antifungal resistance within these pathobiomes. Lastly, in addition to the supervision of postgraduate students and undergraduate interns, Dr Botes lectures introductory mycology and fungal biotechnology at the 2nd and 3rd year level, respectively. Currently she serves as the President for the South African Society for Microbiology (SASM).

Luiz

Santana

Biologist

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Brazil

Medical Mycology, Fungal Infections Epidemiology, Wastewater-based Surveillance

I am an undergraduate student (BSc) in Biology, focusing on Health and Biotechnology, at the Universidade Federal de Minas de Gerais (UFMG). Currently, I’m a research student at the National Institute of Science and Technology of Yeasts, at UFMG. I’ve been working on the evaluation of novel substances with antifungal potential. Also, my main research consists on isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibility of yeasts present in hospital wastewater. I was a founding member of the Academic League for Microbiology (LAM-UFMG), formerly 1st Secretary and Director of Scientific Affairs.

Manu

De Rycker

Principal investigator

University of Dundee

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement

Drug discovery for infectious diseases, particularly those affecting LMIC disproportionally.
Development of new antifungals

Manu De Rycker is Head of Translational Parasitology and Portfolio Leader for Kinetoplastid Drug Discovery at the Drug Discovery Unit (DDU). Manu holds a Master of Science degree in engineering (biotechnology) from the University of Ghent, Belgium and a PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Following postdoctoral work with Professor Peter Parker at the Cancer Research UK Lincoln’s Inn Field laboratories (London), he moved to the University of Dundee in 2009. Manu heads the team that develop and run cell-based assays for the parasitology programmes in the DDU. The team has successfully built extensive screening cascades for Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma cruzi that comprise high-throughput primary screening assays as well as advanced secondary assays with high physiological relevance, including assays for persister parasites. These cascades have proven pivotal to rapidly identify new compounds with the best chance of demonstrating in vivo efficacy. As Portfolio Leader for Kinetoplastid Drug Discovery Manu leads a substantial drug discovery programme focused on delivering new pre-clinical candidates for visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. In collaboration with GSK this programme has developed two new pre-clinical candidates for visceral leishmaniasis. Manu works closely with biologists, chemists and pharmacologists to deliver further candidates for these neglected tropical diseases.
Manu is now establishing an anti-fungal drug discovery programme in the DDU in collaboration with several other groups.

Philip

Elks

Senior Research Fellow

University of Sheffield

United Kingdom

Neutrophil responses to infection; hypoxia inducible factor; reactive nitrogen species; Mycobacterium marinum; Candida albicans

Phil studied Biochemistry BSc at Warwick University and joined the University of Sheffield for the first time in 2004 to pursue a PhD with Dr Henry Roehl and Prof Peter Croucher. During his PhD he developed the zebrafish as a model for bone development and used this to investigate the role of canonical Wnt signalling in bone formation. In 2008 Phil took up a post-doctoral position with Prof Stephen Renshaw to investigate the roles of hypoxia (HIF) signalling in a zebrafish model of inflammation.
In 2011 he took his HIF expertise to Leiden University (The Netherlands) on a European Respiratory Fellowship in Dr Annemarie Meijer’s group, where he investigated HIF’s effects on the host-response to mycobacterial infection. In 2013 he was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship in the Medical School at the University of Sheffield to establish his own research group focussing on the roles of HIF in host-pathogen interaction using the zebrafish model. In 2014 he was awarded a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (from the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society) to fund his research, which was extended in 2021.

Sarah

Sansom

Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases

RUSH University Medical Center

United States

Epidemiology of Candida auris, infection prevention, infection control

I am an early stage investigator in the field of epidemiology of infectious diseases. I am interested in how we can better control the spread of Candida auris in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Shawn

Lockhart

Senior Advisor for Global Capacity Building and AMR

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA)

United States

My current interest is in providing training for fungal ID and AFST in LMICs. I have been developing training programs for yeast ID and AFST and for mold identification. I have also been working with WHO GLASS to develop a set of materials for countries that want to bring on AFST for Candida

I have over 30 years of experience working with infectious fungi including basic research, clinical research, antifungal susceptibility testing, assay development,, training, capacity building, and outbreak investigation. For the last 16 years I have worked in the Mycotic Diseases Branch at the US CDC first as a Team Lead and reference laboratory director, and for the last 8 years as a Senior Advisor.

Asst. Prof.

Kantarawee

Khayhan

Asst. Prof.

University of Phayao

Thailand

Pathogenic yeasts, Genetic diversity, Molecular epidemiology, Molecular population genetics, Phylogenetic and biographical analyzes

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9867-8324
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=38761444500

Doctor

Gabriel Davi

Marena

Postdoctoral researcher

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

https://lattes.cnpq.br/5021808609474028
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4573-5743
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57205558044
https://sciprofiles.com/profile/2230008
https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/2734086/overview
https://scholar.google.com.br/citations?user=liYVdpcAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR

He holds a degree in Biomedicine from the University of Araraquara – UNIARA (2016), a Master’s degree from the Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology in Regenerative Medicine and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Araraquara – UNIARA (2018), where he participated in the development of new nanotechnological approaches to combat infectious diseases through the investigation of the antimicrobial and toxicogenic activities of plant extracts and encapsulated in nanoemulsions. PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho UNESP de Araraquara (2023), where he actively participated in the project (FAPESP Process 2019/09831-9) that aimed to develop nanotechnological methods to enhance the action, selectivity and bioavailability of antifungals against systemic infections. She completed a research internship abroad (BEPE- 2022) with FAPESP support (process 21/11120-3) at the Instituto de Investigación Sanitarea de La Fe, Valencia/Spain, with the aim of evaluating the antifungal activity of nanoemulsions co-encapsulated with Amphotericin B and micafungin against clinical isolates of Candida auris. I am currently doing my postdoctoral research at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB-USP) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Carlos Pelleschi Taborda, with the aim of developing nanovaccines against Candida auris.

Ms.

Julia

Figueiredo

PhD student

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Vaccine development

In our Dimorphic Pathogenic Fungi Laboratory (Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences), we work with the development of vaccine formulations for fungal infections caused mainly by dimorphic fungi, such as Paracoccidioides spp, Histoplasma spp and Sporothrix spp. My work is fully related to Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis and the study of their cell walls, working with proteomics and glycomics analysis and also immune response associated with cell wall recognition.

Theferore, my main research interests are immunology, host-pathogen interaction, vaccines, diagnostics and Sporothrix species.

Medical and scientific information are also my interests, and I create and share scientific content (in PT-BR) for LinkedIn and for our lab Instagram profile.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-marcondes-figueiredo/

Instagram laboratory official profile: @lab.dpf.usp

http://lattes.cnpq.br/9013939057248875

Bachelor’s in biomedical sciences at Universidade Paulista – UNIP (2017-2020) with Clinical Analysis habilitation. Currently a PhD student in Biological Sciences (Microbiology) area at Pathogenic Dimorphic Fungi Laboratory in Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University (ICB-USP), acting in the search for peptides that could possibly be antigenic and the type of immune response associated with these in order to seek for a prophilatic vaccine against feline sporotrichosis, besides acting in the development of a sorologic test for canine sporotrichosis diagnosis in partnership with the startup Bio Insumos e Diagnósticos (BIDiagnostics), financially supported by CAPES funding agency. Internship period at Pasteur Institute (France), financially supported by CAPES Internationalisation Program (PrInt – CAPES), working with innate immune response and cell wall carbohydrate analysis of Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis.

Lattes CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/9013939057248875

Prof

José Guillermo

Pereira Brunelli

Head of Microbiology Laboratory

Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (Paraguay)

Paraguay

`I am interested in working on research projects related to endemic mycoses and neglected tropical diseases. At our center, we focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and training of healthcare personnel from across the country on these diseases.

Im a Clinical Biochemist and head of the Microbiology Laboratory at the Center for Dermatological Diseases under the Ministry of Health of Paraguay, with extensive experience in medical mycology. This includes completing a Medical Mycology course at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France, and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Medical Mycology at the National University of the Northeast, Argentina. As an ambassador in Paraguay for the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM), and a founding member and Vice-coordinator of the Ibero-American Network of Research in Mycology (RIIMICO), the focus of my work is on neglected tropical skin diseases and endemic mycoses.

Prof

Chris

Thornton

Founder Director of ISCA Diagnostics Limited

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

https://www.iscadiagnostics.com

Established in 2012 by Dr Christopher Thornton, ISCA Diagnostics is a University of Exeter spin-out company specialising in point-of-care tests for life-threatening fungal infections of humans.
ISCA enables bench-to-bedside translation of hybridoma technology to the medical and veterinary sectors, providing easy access to highly specific monoclonal antibodies for research and diagnosis of human and animal mycoses.

Damian

Krysan

Professor of Pediatrics (Infectious Disease)

University of Iowa

United States

My research focuses on pathogenesis of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans as well as on discovery and pre-clinical development of new antifungal molecules.
Web Page: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pediatrics/profile/damian-krysan

I am a physician-scientist at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and is Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease as well as the Samuel J. Fomon Chair in Pulmonology/Allergy/Infectious Diseases. He grew up in South Dakota. After graduating from college (Grinnell College), I obtained a PhD in Organic Chemistry at Northwestern University and did postdoctoral training at Emory University. I spent 5 years in the drug industry where he was part of the team at Abbott that brought the HIV protease Ritonovir to market (and now component of Paxlovid). I returned to medical school and received an MD at Michigan, where I remained to do residency in Pediatrics and Fellowship in Infectious Disease. After spending 12 years at the University of Rochester, I moved to Iowa in 2017. My research focuses on pathogenesis of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans as well as discovery and pre-clinical development of new antifungal molecules. Work in my lab led to a Phase II clinical trial testing the tamoxifen as an adjuvant to standard of care for cryptococcal meningitis.

Scott

Moye-Rowley

Principle investigator

University of Iowa

United States

Antifungal drug resistance mechanisms in Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida glabrata

My laboratory has been studying the transcriptional control of drug resistance for more than 35 years. We primarily study the impact of azole antifungal drugs on the transcription of genes in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata. Our experiments in C. glabrata provided strong evidence for a physiological link between the block in ergosterol biosynthesis caused by azole drugs with the expression of genes previously shown to be important in azole drug resistance. These include the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter-encoding CDR1 gene and its key transcriptional regulator Pdr1. Similarly, we and others showed that the AtrR transcriptional regulator acts to coordinate expression of the azole drug target gene cyp51A with ABC transporter-encoding genes like abcG1/cdr1B and mdr1 in A. fumigatus. Future experiments are aimed at understanding the basis of these physiological connections in these two important human pathogens.

Dr.

Endrews

Delbaje

Bioinformatician Postdoctoral researcher

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

My research is based on fungal genomics, specifically in the evolution of resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus to antifungal drugs.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Endrews-Delbaje

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of São Paulo. During my postgraduate studies, I developed expertise in bioinformatics, conducting projects centered on the genomics and metagenomics of microorganisms. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher, I am part of a research team dedicated to investigating the pathogenic mechanisms of human fungal pathogens.

Laura

Goodman

Assistant Professor

Cornell University

United States

My laboratory works on comparative pathogen genomics from a One Health perspective with emphasis on antimicrobial resistance and tick-borne disease. I am interested in capacity building and outreach to expand access to genomics technologies.

Dr. Goodman’s research is on pathogen genomics, with focus areas on antimicrobial resistance, tick-borne disease, and virus discovery. Working at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, the lab’s mission is to inform public policy around infectious disease management. To achieve this goal, they study how pathogens from multiple hosts adapt to their environments in order to identify predictors of zoonotic potential. Dr. Goodman is also actively engaged in surveillance and training efforts to increase accessibility to pathogen genomics and make data open and accessible to all stakeholders. See more here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/research/laura-goodman-phd

Samuel

Lee

Professor and Chair

University of Nevada – Reno

United States

Our laboratory studies the molecular pathogenesis of invasive candidiasis and also investigates translational aspects of Candida infection, including mechanisms of biofilm formation, drug repurposing, and antifungal drug discovery. A major objective of our laboratory is to define the secretory pathways of secreted virulence proteins and determine if mutations in these pathways have an effect on biofilm formation and virulence in vivo. Our laboratory is currently studying the role of endocytosis in aspartyl protease secretion, filamentation, biofilm formation, and in vivo virulence. Our lab is also involved in translational research on novel antifungal therapies and treatment approaches against biofilm formation in Candida species, including drug repurposing, high-throughput screening of small molecule compound libraries, and studies of antifungal lock therapies for prevention of catheter-associated infections.

Samuel Lee, MD, PhD, received his MD from the Boston University Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program and went on to complete his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and his Infectious Diseases Fellowship training at Yale-New Haven Hospital. There, he completed a Ph.D in Investigative Medicine at Yale Graduate School. He obtained a VA Career Development Award studying molecular fungal pathogenesis, and began a research laboratory at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center. He later became Section Chief of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director of the HIV Primary Care Clinic at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, and Associate Professor and Professor of Medicine with tenure at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and was recognized as a Regents’ Lecturer for distinguished service. He then took on the role of Chief of Medicine at the White River Junction VA Medical Center in fall of 2018 and Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Most recently, he became Professor and Chair of Medicine at University of Nevada Reno.

Professor

Kerry

Smith

Professor, Genetics & Biochemistry and Director, Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center (EPIC)

Clemson University

United States

Invasive fungal infections cause nearly one and a half million deaths annually, accounting for nearly 50% of all AIDS-related deaths. Cryptococcus neoformans is the most frequent cause of fungal meningitis and is responsible for nearly half of the invasive fungal infections. The CDC estimates the yearly burden of cryptococcal meningitis to be nearly one million cases with greater than 190,000 deaths. Metabolic adaptability and flexibility are important attributes for fungal pathogens to successfully infect and cause disease. Although carbon metabolism is critical for virulence in Cryptococcus very little is known about which carbon sources are utilized during infection. Our long-term goal is to provide a better understanding of how Cryptococcus can adapt its metabolism to survive in the changing environments encountered during infection. Alveolar macrophages, which present a first line of host defense against Cryptococcus infection, provide a glucose- and amino acid-poor environment, and nonpreferred carbon sources such as lactate and acetate are likely important early in establishment of a pulmonary infection. Thus, genes whose products are necessary for the utilization of acetate or lactate may an important role for Cryptococcus infection. We are using genetic, biochemical, and computational approaches to identify and characterize genes required for the utilization of acetate. The identification of the carnitine biosynthesis pathway as essential for acetate (and fatty acid) utilization in C. neoformans has led us to examining carnitine metabolism in the ascomycetous pathogen Candida albicans. We have recently demonstrated that inhibitors of the final step of carnitine biosynthesis in humans reduce growth of both C. neoformans and C. albicans on acetate but not glucose.

I am a Professor in the Department of Genetics & Biochemistry and Director of the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), which has been designated as a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) with the awarding of a Phase II NIH COBRE grant (1P20GM109094-01A1), of which I am Senior personnel. I am also Principal Investigator of an NIH T35 training grant “Enrichment Through Opportunities in Research (MEnTOR)” that provides summer research opportunities for medical students in EPIC laboratories.
I have broad training and expertise in biochemistry/enzymology, molecular biology/genetics, and microbiology. My laboratory has extensive experience in the biochemical and kinetic characterization of enzymes in acetate metabolism. We are investigating the role of acetate transport and utilization in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, the leading cause of fungal meningitis. The research from my laboratory has been supported by grants from both NIH and NSF and has been published in a wide variety of prominent journals. Members of my laboratory and I have presented at international meetings including invited talks at Gordon Conferences, the Symposium on Global Health, and at other universities, and poster presentations at numerous national and international meetings.

Janet

Oladejo

Medical Laboratory Scientist

University of Ilorin

Nigeria

Molecularly detection of resistance and virulence genes of Candida species in clinical isolates in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Dr. Janet Mosunmola Oladejo, Ph.D., is a distinguished expert in Medical Microbiology, with a specialization in Mycology. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of Medical Laboratory Services at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, she has made significant contributions to the study of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance. Her research spans the antidermatophytic activities of antifungal agents and Aloe Vera, as well as the phenotypic and molecular characterization of bacterial and fungal isolates.
Proficient in the operation of Bact/alert 3D 60 for fungal culture from specimens such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids, she also has hands-on training in the fundamentals of polymerase chain reaction. Her work on profiling resistance plasmid DNA (R-plasmid) in bacterial agents of infectious keratitis and exploring the comparative efficacy of synthetic agents versus natural remedies like honey has furthered understanding in the field.
Her dedication extends beyond the laboratory. She received a state award for a health project conducted among children in rural primary schools, highlighting her commitment to public health.
Her contributions have established her as a leading figure in fungal isolation, characterization, and antifungal susceptibility testing in Nigeria, with publications in Medical Microbiology that continue to influence the scientific community.

Professor

Christopher H.

Heath

Infectious Diseases Physician; & Clinical Microbiologist; & Adjunct Clin. A/Prof. in the Department of Medicine

University of Western Australia

Australia

Dr Heath has active clinical research interests, in the clinical epidemiology of fungal & other transplant-/ICH-related IFI’s; pharma trials of new antifungals (phase II-III), & anti-fungal stewardship programs. He also has diverse interests in laboratory diagnostics & the epidemiology of fungal pathogens, such as, cutting-edge mycological diagnostics (including biomarkers/LFAs, rapid AFST methods using flow cytometry, detection of emerging MDR-fungi, e.g., Candida auris), plus innovative approaches to fungal ‘Omics, study of host vs. pathogen interactions (immunopathogenesis), One-Health studies, phage therapy, phylogenetics/evolutionary phylogenomics & WGS projects. Dr Heath has existing research collaborations in Australasia via ANZMIG; the ECMM in EU, the MSGERC in USA; & both ISHAM and ECCMID SIGs. He is interested in teaching & workshops, via presentations at academic meetings, plus the local Mycology MasterClass meetings. Dr Heath is keen to foster linkages with similar clinician-scientists to broaden his collegiate networks, and to also facilitate engagement with relevant patient groups.

Dr. Chris Heath is an ID Physician (FRACP) at Fiona Stanley Hospital, & a Clinical Microbiologist (FRCPA) at PathWest Laboratory Medicine, FSH Network; all in Perth, Australia. Dr. Heath was the inaugural Head of ID at Royal Perth Hospital from 1997-2017. His interests in infectious diseases includes; solid organ transplant/BMTx patients, major burns/major-trauma, TB/other mycobacterial diseases, & HIV/AIDS. Dr. Heath has a special interest in the diagnosis & management of patients with invasive mycosis & he leads the PathWest, FSH, Mycology Laboratory. Dr. Heath has been actively involved in the development of national/international guidelines in the management of IFI’s in ICH’s. He is past Co-chair of the Australia & New Zealand Mycoses Interest Group (ANZMIG), & remains an active member of the ANZMIG Executive, a SIG of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID). Dr. Heath is a former Executive Board member of ASID. He’s been a member of ISHAM, since 1994, & elected to FECMM in 2018. Dr. Heath is a Clinical A/Professor at the University of Western Australia. He has active research interests in the epidemiology of fungal & other transplant-/ICH-related infections; pharma trials, cutting-edge mycology diagnostics, including innovative ‘Omics & WGS methods.

MSc

Eliane

Vanhoffelen

PhD researcher

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Belgium

I currently work with preclinical models of aspergillosis and cryptococcosis in mice and Galleria mellonella, implemeting bioluminescence imaging as a dynamic readout of fungal burden over time.
However, I am in the last year of my PhD and towards the future I am interested in fungal research in a broader context (different fungal pathogens, clinical or preclinical research).
My staff profile page with publication overview: https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/nl/person/00122977

I am a biomedical scientist in the last year of my PhD at KU Leuven, developing and applying imaging-based preclinical models of aspergillosis and cryptococcosis in mice and Galleria mellonella to investigate pathogenesis and treatment responses. My main readout of interest in these models is bioluminescence imaging to dynamically follow fungal burden over time.
Towards the future I am interested in fungal research in a broader context (different fungal pathogens, clinical or preclinical, One Health …).

Miracle

Nwegbo

Student researcher

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

Nigeria

Antibacterial Microbial Resistance
Childrens infections
Immunology
Pharmacognosy/traditional medicine

Miracle C. Nwegbo is a medical student and clinical researcher at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine, Nigeria. He’s also a medical writer and environmental program coordinator at the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA). Miracle is passionate about AMR, Immunology, childrens infections & pharmacognosy research. Beyond medicine, Miracle has interests in creative writing, photography and environmental sustainability.

Dr.

Maureen

Hester

Postdoctoral associate

UMass Chan Medical School

United States

I am a post doctoral associate at UMass med with 9+ years of experience in cryptococcal vaccine development.

I have studied fungal immunology under Stu Levitz and Charlie Specht at UMass Med School since 2015. Currently, I am exploring the host immune response to experimental cryptococcal vaccines in a mouse model of disease.

Juliana

Junqueira

Full professor

Universidade Estadual Paulista

Brazil

Dr. Junqueira develops projects in the field of Microbiology and Immunology, primarily focusing on the following topics: oral microbiology, drug delivery, probiotics, photodynamic therapy, pathogen-host interaction, and experimental infection models.

Dr. Junqueira is Full Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Institute of Science and Technology (UNESP) and Research of Productivity (CNPq PQ-1B). She holds a degree in Dentistry and a PhD in Oral Biopathology, with internship in the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She served as a Senior Visiting Professor at Brown University through the CAPES Chair Program and at the University of Birmingham through the CAPES-PRINT Program. Currently, she is the head of the Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis and vice-coordinator of the graduate program in Applied Sciences on Oral Health. She has coordinated research projects funded by FAPESP, CNPq, and the Office of Naval Research Global (USA). Currently, she leads the project “Evaluation of the Antifungal and Immunomodulatory Effects of Inorganic Nanoparticles Associated with Natural Polyphenols on Oral Candidiasis” (FAPESP) and the project “Innovation in the Treatment of Fungal and Parasitic Infections Based on Technologies for Photodynamic Therapy” (CNPq). She has published over 170 scientific articles and received 65 awards. She was ranked by Stanford University among the top 2% of the most influential researchers in the world in 2021, 2022, and 2024. She serves as a member of the editorial boards of Virulence and Journal.

Prof

Andrew

Dowsey

Chair of Population Health Data Science

University of Bristol

Andrew Dowsey — University of Bristol

Andrew’s research group focuses on the acceleration of health sciences research and new clinical diagnostics through novel artificial intelligence and statistical data science methodology, as well as data collection and management platforms. His team works in highly multidisciplinary environments to both lead and support investigations across three strands of research: Profiling the protein and metabolite content of biological fluids and tissues using mass spectrometry proteomics and metabolomics for understanding disease mechanism, and to discover biomarkers for clinical diagnostics; Constructing secure research platforms and developing predictive models from population-level health and environmental data to develop interventions for One Health challenges such as anti-microbial resistance; Intensive longitudinal health, activity and behavioural monitoring at the level of individual animals and groups of animals for welfare and environmental sustainability.

Andrew has a joint position in Bristol Veterinary School and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School. He is AI lead for the John Oldacre Centre at Bristol Veterinary School, where he is also Population Health Theme Lead and Impact Director. He is Director for Enterprise & Impact in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Fellowships Director for the EPSRC LEAP Digital Health Hub. Previously, he was Research Director for Bristol Veterinary School, founding Director of the John Oldacre Centre,an Associate Director of the HDR-UK South-West Better Care Partnership and a Turing Fellow. He has received a MICCAI Young Scientist award, held an EPSRC Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Life Sciences Interface between the Hamlyn Centre, Imperial College London, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and University College Dublin, an MRC New Investigator Research Grant at the Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Manchester, and was a Reader in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics at the University of Liverpool.

Stefano

Colombo

PDRA

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

I have a strong interest in the immunology of fungal airway disease. In particular I have been involved in projects investigating the cellular immune response to CPA and ABPA.
https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/stefano.colombo

Stefano completed his Ph.D. in the immunology and microbiology of gastrointestinal helminths at the University of Manchester in 2019 in Richard Grencis’ group. In 2020 he joined the Andrew MacDonald lab as a postdoc where his research broadened to include fundamental human lung immunology and the immunology of respiratory fungal disease. In 2024 Stefano joined the Lizzie Mann lab to undertake research into the relationships that exist between antibiotics, the microbiota and the human lung immune environment.

Adams Anusa

Chande

Laboratory Technologist

Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Malawi

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Working with industry

My research focuses on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), with a particular emphasis on antifungal resistance in investigating the dynamics and mechanisms that enable fungal pathogens to acquire resistance to existing antifungal agents. Additionally, my work extends to the discovery and development of new antifungal drugs to combat this growing resistance.
More recently, the alarming spread of multidrug-resistant fungal infections, the limited treatment options, high toxicity, and associated side effects, and the ineffectiveness of current antifungal agents make antifungal resistance an urgent health challenge. Priority fungal pathogens such as those in the Candida genus exhibit cross-resistance to all available antifungal classes posing a threat to modern medicine and our ability to treat common infections and perform life-saving procedures. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the discovery and development of novel alternative antifungal therapies that overcome the shortcomings of existing agents to strengthen health systems and capacity.

Chande is a passionate Laboratory Technologist with a Master’s in Biotechnology and a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences. As the head of the microbiology department at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Laboratory in Malawi, he leads key diagnostic and research initiatives aimed at combating infectious diseases, particularly antifungal resistance.
Pursuing a PhD, Chande’s research focuses on the discovery and development of novel antimicrobial peptides for treating drug-resistant fungal infections. This research aligns with his long-term goal of advancing drug discovery and improving global health. Previously, he completed an Internship at the Malawi Liverpool Welcome Trust Programme, working within the Virology Research Group.
Beyond research, Chande is an adjunct lecturer at Malamulo College of Health Sciences, where he teaches pharmacology and pharmacognosy. He also actively contributes to government research institutions in Malawi, supporting efforts to enhance healthcare outcomes and fight infectious diseases.
Having overcome financial struggles in his educational journey, Chande is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in mycology. With a vision of becoming a Principal Investigator, he seeks to lead innovative research while contributing to the education of future scientists.

PhD

Valentina

Lukinovic

Business Development, Director

Industry

NuvoBio

Canada

NuvoBio is a bio-medical technology company dedicated to expediting the development of peptide therapeutics. Using our novel Darwin AI technology platform to design highly specific binding peptides, we are advancing research and development in the areas of new synthetic drugs, immunotherapies and other unique applications.
As our lead asset, we are introducing NeoPeptix, our groundbreaking antifungal peptide that’s set to revolutionize the fight against Cryptococcus infections and Fungal Meningitis.
https://nuvobio.com/

Our main goal is to find smart ways of using technology that will help accelerate drug development.
Avoiding the necessity for any knowledge of protein structure, the DARWIN AI platform is able to evolve libraries of target-specific peptides, complete with proteome-wide identification of off-target risk. As the result, NuvoBio can efficiently develop targeted therapeutics for human disease & pathogens as they emerge or evolve.
DARWIN AI is an artificial intelligence algorithm that powers the NuvoBio platform. Using DARWIN AI, we are able to design very small proteins (i.e., peptides) with therapeutic interest.
To date, we have successfully developed and experimentally validated: In vitro and cell-active enzyme inhibitor peptides, Extracellular receptor binding peptides, Immuno-regulatory peptides, Targeted payload delivery, Anti-microbial peptides, Beta-lactamase inhibitor peptides, and Anti-viral peptides. If you have questions or would like to discuss our services and potential collaboration, please contact us at info@nuvobio.com!

David

Findlay

CEO

Industry

Rostra Therapeutics

United Kingdom

Rostra Therapeutics is a company founded in Scotland in 2022 with the purpose of developing novel medicines for the treatment of infectious disease, with a strategic focus on addressing invasive fungal diseases – please see the attached link
https://www.rostratx.com

Prior to setting up Rostra Therapeutics I had a career in the pharmaceutical industry initially in J&J and then GSK. My focus in recent years has been on the threat posed by AMR. As a commercial lead embedded in GSK’s anti-infective R&D organisation I ensured research efforts focussed in areas of unmet need and new pipeline products were supported by the necessary data to ensure access to patients globally. I was responsible for managing the portfolio of anti-infective products and bringing them to market with compelling differentiation. I have been involved in policy development at a national and international level to encourage governments to incentivise R&D investments in AMR. I have a consultancy practice supporting companies in bringing novel innovative anti-infectives through the development process to market. At Rostra we are focussed on developing novel antifungals that deliver patient benefits over existing options and help to address the threat of AMR. Our molecules are in the pre-clinical phase and we are looking to raise investment and set up scientific collaborations to progress our molecules through the pipeline. We are interested in collaborating with those in LMICs who can help achieve our development and patient access goals.

Dr.

Antonio Guilherme

Baylão

ID Physician

Marcílio Dias Naval Hospital

Brazil

I’m interested in antifungal treatment, especially for mucorales infections and it’s supression or prophylaxis.

graduation at Curso de Formação de Oficiais from Marinha do Brasil/ Centro de Instrução Almirante Wandenkolk (2018) and graduation at Medicine from Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda (2015). Has experience in Medicine, focusing on Infectious and Parasitic Illnesses, acting on the following subjects: doenças infecto – parasitárias (dip), antimicrobianos, clínica médica, infectologia and medicina interna.

Dr.

Daniel

Henk

Senior Lecturer

University of Bath

United Kingdom

https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/daniel-henk
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=AbPV6MYAAAAJ&hl=en

My research centers on the evolution and ecology of fungi across their broad spectrum of roles in ecosystems and human lives. I primarily use genomics, and I currently have two main research thrusts:
identify fungal communities in healthy, diseased, and changing environments
determine the genomic pathways of fungal evolution in response to biotic and abiotic environmental variation
The first part of my research is essentially about measuring fungal biodiversity and inferring its role in larger communities. Genomics serves the dual purpose of allowing high-throughput identification via targeted sequencing while also allowing fine-scale partitioning of diversity via resequencing. The second part of my research is focused on how genomes evolve in response to environments. This research uses experiments to measure mutation types and rates in a variety of environmental conditions, and my research also uses natural populations to discover how recombination and spatial structure modify fungal evolution. With more genomes sequenced than any other eukaryotic group, fungi offer unique opportunities to study how these complex organisms respond to stressful or permissive environments.
https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/daniel-henk
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=AbPV6MYAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr.

Keang

Suy

Medical Doctor

Cambodia-Oxford Medical Research Unit (COMRU)

Cambodia

I am an early career researcher and my research interests center on pediatric infections, with a primary focus on bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recently, I have encountered a rising number of cases involving children with malignancies who subsequently developed invasive fungal infections. This experience has inspired me to expand my expertise into the field of mycology as well.

Dr Keang Suy is a paediatric clinical microbiologist and infectious disease doctor who has worked at the Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit (COMRU) at Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC) in Siem Reap, Cambodia since 2017. Keang’s research interests focus on children with infection, particularly bacterial infections and AMR. He aims to become a leader in clinical health research in Cambodia and train Cambodia’s next generation of health professionals and clinical researchers.

Currently taking an online Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research at the University of Oxford, Keang’s main role is to care for patients with infections on the AHC wards and in its intensive care unit (ICU), consult on infection cases where diagnosis or management is difficult, and to provide antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and infection prevention and control (IPC) training to students and staff.

He provides support for both clinical staff and laboratory staff so that the microbiology laboratory can provide the top-notch patient’s care services.
In addition, Keang helps run AHC surveillance projects for hospital acquired infections and invasive infections and is actively involved in several observational research studies.
After graduating from medical school in Phnom Penh in 2014, Keang joined a paediatric training program at AHC and received a Certificate of Paediatrics in 2017. He also completed the International Postgraduate Paediatric Certificate program, a joint program between Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The University of Sydney Australia, in 2016. In 2022, Keang completed a clinical microbiology and infectious disease fellowship at AHC and a Diploma in Medical Microbiology from Pacific Region Infectious Disease Association, Australia.

https://www.tropmedres.ac/team/keang-suy

Vigny

Nde kengne

Mycology identification of Aspergillus species

Université de Yaoundé I

Cameroon

Resistance profile of aspergillus isolated from sputum and BAL at the jamot hospital in Yaoundé and resistance profile to different antifungal agents.

I am a motivated, hard-working person who knows how to work in a professional environment, can adapt to different working conditions, polite and attentive.

FAILSAFE

Project Team

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

The FAILSAFE project will support innovative R&D mitigating the consequences of AFR (antifungal resistance), focusing on the themes of microbial pathogenesis, biomarkers and diagnostics, and the use of innovative platforms.

The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) aims to deliver world-leading research that will substantially advance our understanding of fungal pathogenesis, host immunity and disease phenotypes, thereby enabling the generation and utilisation of skills and knowledge that will improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases in the future. Amongst the CMM activities that are actively working to increase capacity in medical mycology, the FAILSAFE project aims to provide combined global research and development (R&D), One Health and educational activities that will reduce the fungal disease burden in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
Solutions for antifungal drug resistance are urgently needed, and the new FAILSAFE project is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF). This is a One Health UK aid fund that supports research and development around the world to reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans, animals and the environment for the benefit of people in low- and middle-income countries.
Utilising £3.4 million across a 3-year period (2024 – 2027), the FAILSAFE project will support the delivery of multiple projects led by Network members worldwide, with a focus on developing tangible AFR products and solutions.

Bive

Zono

Associate Professor

Université de Kinshasa

Congo

After working on the clinical and genetic epidemiology of cryptococcal meningitis in people living with HIV in the city of Kinshasa (DRC), I turned my attention to the molecular epidemiology of mycoses in the DRC, from a broader angle. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0084-5068
Thus, with the working group on mycoses in the DRC that I chair, we are currently working on high-impact fungal pathologies in subjects suffering from dysimmune diseases, including (1) HIV infection (inflammatory syndrome of immune reconstitution associated with cryptococcosis meningitis, clinical and molecular epidemiology of histoplasmosis, molecular epidemiology of digestive candidiasis…), and (2) neoplastic disease (Aspergillosis and other fungal infections associated with care…). Aspects of disease, fungal pathogenicity and antifungal resistance are covered, depending on the pathogen.
We also examine the clinical and molecular epidemiology of dematomycoses, as well as the susceptibility of strains to commonly used antifungal agents.

Bive Zono graduated in medicine from the University of Kinshasa (2016), with an additional master’s degree in molecular biology (2022) (University of Kinshasa), and specialized training in medical mycology at KU Leuven (Belgium). He obtained his PhD in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences under a cotutelle program between the University of Liège in Belgium (Clinical Microbiology Department) and the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine) (March 2023), under the joint supervision of Professors Marie-Pierre Hayette (Liège) and Georges Mvumbi (Kinshasa). In his PhD, he examined the epidemiological, clinical, biological and genetic profiles of cryptococcosis in people living with HIV in Kinshasa (DRC). His current research interests include fungal genomics and the molecular epidemiology of fungal diseases in the DRC. Since April 2023, he has been Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, in the Department of Molecular Biology (Basic Sciences). He is a member of the International Society of Medical and Animal Mycology (ISHAM), the Belgian Society of Medical and Animal Mycology (BSHAM), the Pan-African Mycoses Working Group (PAMWG), the DRC Mycoses Working Group and the Congolese Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases.

Pankaj

Chaudhary

Microbiologist

Koshi Hospital

Nepal

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach

Fungal keratitis is my topic of interest and Antifungal susceptiblity testing of ocular pathogens(Curvularia, Aspergillus, Fusarium) and would love to expand my horizon on Molecular diagnostics of these pathogens.I have some experience on candida, if possible surveillance of candida spp. in hospital setting of Nepal would be my priority.

Microbiologist from Nepal with around 10 years of professional experience.Medical Mycology is my area of interest and have worked on few projects Like Dermatophytosis, Oral Candidiasis and Fungal Keratitis(Clinical trial, project- collaboration between sagarmatha choudhary eye Hospital, Nepal and LSHTM, UK).
Nepal, currently doesnt have a Mycology Refrence Laboratory and I would be happy if I can put some effort on establishment of the same by collaborating with esteemed institutions and eminent Mycologist around the globe. Would be happy to be connected at https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5213-4383

Prof

GUNTURU

Revathi

Head of Clinical Microbiology

Aga Khan University

Kenya

Research in Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Respiratory infections Animal adopted TB, Helicobacter pylori

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gunturu-Revathi

I am a clinical microbiology and infectious diseases specialist with special interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance among various pathogens (Salmonellosis, Tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori, Enteric bacilli) Mechanisms of AMR, Staphylococcus aureus infections, Hospital acquired infections etc./ I have been engaged in diagnostic microbiology work, teaching and training all cadres of health care personnel. I have supervised 46 M. Med Projects, 8 Ph.D. projects including a number of funded research projects. My expertise includes quality control systems for clinical diagnostic microbiology and as a head of section of microbiology I have been instrumental in driving the microbiology lab to international accreditation (SANAS 15189) and College of American Pathologists (CAP)
I set up an enhanced biosafety Level 2 laboratory for TB cultures in Aga Khan University Hospital’s (AKUH) for diagnosing challenging cases of TB.
I have a deep interest in hospital and community infection prevention, Helicobacter pylori infections, and non- tubercular mycobacterial infections some of which have not been explored well in Kenya before.
My laboratory and institute offer versatile mentoring opportunities to international students.
I am currently Chair of IPNET Kenya, a registered professional society advocating education as chief tool of promoting infection prevention practices in health care setting.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gunturu-Revathi

Caroline Jane

Ross

Lecturer and Principal Investigator

University of Cape Town

South Africa

I am interested in the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of fungal pathogens. My research focuses on discovering how these molecules function as upstream regulators of cellular responses that enhance the adaptability of fungal pathogens, particularly in relation to stress tolerance and drug resistance. By decoding the molecular mechanisms of these lncRNAs, I aim to identify key regulatory pathways that inform the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against various fungal infections. Through this work, I hope to advance our understanding of fungal biology and improve treatment options for these challenging pathogens.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4354-6372

Mr.

Marco

Batista

Scientist Researcher

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms

My name is Marco Lazaro de Sousa Batista and I am a medical scientist at the Institute of Chemistry and School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (IQ-USP, FM-USP – PhD candidate) and an undergraduate student at the Federal University of São Paulo – Paulista School of Medicine (EPM-UNIFESP) in the medical program. I have been working with biological data since 2015 from some projects in the area of cancer, such as breast, ovarian and brain tumors, focusing on translational medicine from basic science to the clinic based on omics data from cellular experiments and animal models. In addition, in recent years I have dedicated myself to some projects in biochemistry and molecular biology using omics approaches to understand the functionality of the immune system, mineral metabolism and tumor progression from the perspective of cell proliferation and survival processes, with an emphasis on iron metabolism and the functionalities of the CD90 and CD40 glycoproteins in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which our group has been studying for some years. We have developed new nanopharmaceutical platforms for the design and development of new target-directed molecules to control cell proliferation and tumor cell survival. These have also been tested on microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, demonstrating enormous therapeutic potential as bactericides and fungicides, in addition to possible applications as vermicides. In other words, the use of nanobiotechnology has allowed our group and national and international collaborators to study new molecules and mechanisms that have not yet been explained, with enormous medicinal potential for not only chronic degenerative diseases, but also neglected diseases. Thus, bioinformatics permeates my entire training and scientific career in terms of the methodologies used in my research projects, as well as investigations that are currently being carried out, in projects that include biochemistry and molecular biology of cancer, tumor immunology and neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on studies of multiple sclerosis and other neurodiseases, studies of the intestinal microbiota and transplants from an immunological and metagenomic point of view using omics to assist in more precise surgical and clinical techniques for transplants, as well as collaborations in the areas of metabolomics in understanding cellular models in oncology and neurology studies.

Graduated in Molecular Sciences (CCM-USP) and Chemistry (IQ-USP) from the University of São Paulo (USP), he has extensive experience in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Cancer with a focus on breast and ovarian carcinogenesis from the perspective of cellular markers such as CD90/CD40 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), using Bioinformatics and Systems Biology techniques to better understand the use of cellular and molecular therapies for translational and personalized regenerative medicine at the Butantan Institute, Federal University of ABC (UFABC) and University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, it has projects in the areas of bioinorganics, microbiology and molecular spectroscopy of biological compounds applied to medical sciences with clinical interest in oncology and neurology/neurosurgery. He works in collaboration with studies of neurodegenerative diseases (Multiple Sclerosis) and studies on medical training/education from the perspective of mentoring in a multidisciplinary academic-scientific training at the Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM-UNIFESP), where he also studies Medicine

Mrs

Rebecca

Peters

Laboratory manager

Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Nigeria

Antifungal resistance in Candida.

I am the laboratory team lead for Nigerian fungal disease surveillance and capacity building program. A member and laboratory training team for the Pan Africa mycology working group.I teach students and manage the mycology reference laboratory at the college of medicine University of Lagos. Currently the Vice president of the Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria. I hold a Masters degree in Medical Microbiology

MD, MSc

CLAUDIA

FROLA

STAFF PHYSICIAN, INFECTOLOGY DIVISION, HOSPITAL JUAN A. FERNANDEZ

Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Fernández

Argentina

Research related to systemic mycoses in the HIV population, especially related to timely diagnosis and treatment lines (e.g. cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, pneumocystosis). Research related to endemic systemic mycoses.

Infectious Disease Specialist. Career Medical Specialist in Infectious Diseases. Diploma of Mycology. MSc in Medical Mycology. Experience in clinical management of fungal infections and their treatments with a focus on the HIV-immunosuppressed population.
Actual position: Investigator, Clinical Research Area. Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires. Staff Physician, Infectious Diseases Division, Hospital Juan A. Fernández, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Full Member of the Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) and Full Member of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM).
Publications:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cqdu4rhuJaSbcEj2eYszsK_2tGIAdcdZ

CLAUDIA

BANDA

INFECTIOUS DISEASE MEDICAL DOCTOR

Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt

Peru

My main areas of interest are currently related to fungal infections caused by the most prevalent fungi in our country, which cause systemic infections: Cryptococcus, Histoplasma. However, in my medical practice I have also had the opportunity to care for patients with neglected endemic infections such as paracoccidioidomycosis, mycetoma, etc.
I currently work at IMTAvH https://imtavh.cayetano.edu.pe/

I am Claudia Banda, from Peru. I have a medical degree from the “Universidad Nacional de San Agustín” and I am a specialist in infectious and tropical diseases from the “Universidad peruana Cayetano Heredia”. I currently serve as leader of the Teaching Office at the “Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt”. Likewise, together with Dr. Beatriz Bustamante, we lead the INKA program (Improving National Knowledge and Awareness of fungal infections in Peru), with funding from the United States CDC within the framework of CK21-2106 “Global Fungal Disease Surveillance and Capacity”, which aims to the objective is to raise awareness and strengthen knowledge among health workers about the following fungal infections: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and invasive candidiasis. With this purpose, we have developed a training plan and have been implementing rapid diagnostic tests for Histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis in HIV patients for different regions in Peru.

Bioquímico – Farmacéutico

Jaime S.

Baldelomar Moron

Responsable del área de microbiología clínica, Coordinador Nacional de Aplicación Clínica

Seguro Integral de Salud, SINEC

Bolivia

I am currently conducting a research project in the city of Santa Cruz on the identification of genus and species of yeasts isolated from sterile biological fluids in third-level hospitals. Albeit a basic study, this fundamental information is unknown for our city. The results of these studies will provide epidemiological data on these microorganisms and will serve as a starting point for various studies aimed at improving the management of antifungal treatments. I am interested in improving my basic knowledge and gaining new approaches in the identification of medical mycology.

Specialist in Clinical Microbiology
Autonomous University Gabriel René Moreno, “School of Postgraduate Studies”

Specialist in Quality Management Systems ISO 9001/2015
Bolivian Institute of Standardization and Quality

Nationally Accredited Degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacy
Major University of San Simón

PhD

Paula

Barquero

Medical manager

Industry

Sandoz Brazil

Brazil

Candidemia and esporotricosis, also the new drugs available

For the past 8 years, I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry through the following positions: MSL, Associate Medical Manager and Medical Manager in different therapeutic areas. Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (UNESP), have a masters degree in Animal sciences at UIUC, Champaign-Urbana (EUA) and a PhD in human reproduction at UNIFESP, worked as a research assistant at Albert Einstein hospital during my pos doc. During all this time, was responsible for writing and submitting grants, conducting research in the field and laboratories in areas as animal and human reproduction, cardiology, gene therapy, stem cell and molecular biology and physiology. Pursue an executive MBA from BSP (business school SP). The executive MBA final project was a research article named: A Business Called: Science.

Alessandro

Pasqualotto

Assistant Professor

Academia

Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre

Brazil

Pasqualotto is particularly interested in innovation, especially when applied to health sciences and business. He is particularly keen to strength and expand his research networks, with a special focus on new diagnostic tests. His research projects always face what the market needs. He is currently running the largest trial on histoplasmosis in the world.

Pasqualotto is a Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil. In his PhD thesis, he studied the epidemiology of candidaemia in a large tertiary hospital (Santa Casa de Porto Alegre), where he currently works as the Medical Director of the Molecular Biology Laboratory, and chief of the infectious diseases service. He chairs the Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology of Innovation in Molecular Diagnosis. Pasqualotto spent three years in Manchester (UK) working as a post-doctoral scientist to David W. Denning. He has published more than 200 papers and book chapters, including the book “Aspergillosis: From Diagnosis to Prevention” published by Springer in 2010 (1,027 pages). He is the Deputy Editor of Mycoses. His has a MBA degree (strategic business administration). Pasqualotto is the president of the local infectious diseases society, and he has been very active in doing teaching and advocacy for fungal diseases.

Fausto

Almeida

Professor

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Virulence factors

I study fungal extracellular vesicles and their role in host-pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on cellular communication and antifungal immunity.

Fausto Almeida completed his MSc and Ph.D. at the University of São Paulo (USP) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, USA, following a Young Investigator Grant from FAPESP at USP. In 2019, he was appointed Assistant Professor at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School at USP, becoming Associate Professor in 2022. Fausto serves as Co-Director of the LATAM Unit of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. His primary research interests include fungal extracellular vesicles and their role in host-pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on cellular communication and antifungal immunity.

Luana

Rossato

professor

Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados

Brazil

I am reaching out to explore potential research collaborations in the field of medical mycology and infectious diseases, particularly focused on emerging fungal pathogens and antifungal resistance. My research primarily investigates host-pathogen interactions, the immune response to infections caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, Fusarium spp and Candida auris, and the search for innovative therapeutic strategies. I have been involved in studies on drug repositioning and the combination of antifungal agents with non-antifungal compounds to combat drug-resistant infections. Currently, I am particularly interested in expanding collaborations related to:
Virulence and immune response mechanisms in fungal pathogens.
New approaches for drug discovery and the development of technologies to combat multidrug-resistant fungi.
Emerging pathogens, including their epidemiology and the challenges of treating them in clinical settings.
Feel free to reach out to me directly or visit my profile for more information: Luana Rossato -https://lattes.cnpq.br/6429982229782529, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luana-Rossato-3

Luana Rossato
Adjunct Professor, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados
Microbiologist and Medical Mycology Specialist

Luana Rossato, PhD is an adjunct professor at Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD) and a researcher specializing in medical mycology and infectious diseases. With a background in pharmaceutical sciences, her research focuses on understanding the virulence factors and immune response mechanisms of emerging fungal pathogens, such as Candida auris and Sporothrix brasiliensis. Dr. Rossato has contributed significantly to the fields of drug resistance and drug repositioning, exploring novel therapeutic strategies to combat multidrug-resistant fungi. She is particularly interested in pathogen-host interactions, antifungal resistance, and the application of new technologies in diagnosing and treating fungal infections. Dr. Rossato completed her PhD in Pathophysiology and Toxicology at the University of São Paulo (USP), where she studied the immunological aspects of fungal virulence. She has also conducted postdoctoral research at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and has collaborated with various international research institutions. She is always open to new collaborative efforts in the fields of fungal infections, immunology, and drug development.

For more information, please visit her research profile: -https://lattes.cnpq.br/6429982229782529, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luana-Rossato-3

PhD

Cua

Trinh Thi Hong

Researcher in Medicine

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

Pathophysiology, immunology, molecular biomedicine, pathogenesis of cancer.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer among head and neck cancers in Vietnam. We aimed to identify the rate of 30bp deletion mutation on LMP1-EBV gene in arch biopsy tissue samples, HLA genotype of NPC patients, and the relationship between these two targets. Patients with NPC at Can Tho Oncology Hospital from September 2014 to December 2018 were selected. 30bp del-LMP1-EBV gene was analyzed using the PCR technique, while HLA genotypes in subjects’ blood samples were analyzed by PCR-SSO technology. The 30bp de-letion mutation was the most dominant in the LMP1-EBV gene, found in 51 out of 70 (72.9%). Carriers of -DRB1*08 allele have 8 times higher risk of developing PNC than that of the healthy people, whereas -DRB1*12 allele and -DQB1*03 were associated with a reduced risk of this dis-ease compared with non-carriers of these alleles. Carriers of HLA-B*15 allele have a 4.6-fold increased risk of a 30bp del-LMP1-EBV gene compared with non-carriers of this allele. The initial identification of the NPC is related to 30bp del-LMP1-EBV gene and the high frequency of HLA alleles -A*02, -B*15, -DRB1*12, -DQB1*03, and -DQA1*01. Our results suggest an association be-tween 30bp del-LMP1-EBV gene and HLA-B*15 allele with NPC susceptibility.

Prof.

Nguyen Manh

Cuong

Senior Researcher

Academia

Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

Vietnam

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3379-8827

https://scholar.google.com.vn/citations?user=dSmNe8gAAAAJ&hl=vi

Phytochemistry
Medicinal Chemistry

Prof. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. nmcuong@inpc.vast.vn, vindoxim@gmail.com. His scientific field of research is to study the chemical composition of medicinal plants and their biological activities.
He is the co-author of more than 200 national and international papers and 15 patents. From 2010 to 2023, he was deputy director of the Institute of Natural Products Chemistry.

Mrs

Supporters

Designamite Exeter

Developers

Commercial Organisation

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development

Researching things

Test bio 2

Nuno

Pereira Mira

Associate Professor

Academia

Universidade de Lisboa

Portugal

Antifungal use, Candida, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics

In my lab, we work many different aspects of the Physiology and Biology of Yeasts that are our favourite organisms! Among them of course we study Candida species. In specific, we had been working on:

i) how Candida species interact with bacterial species of the microbiome (in particular lactobacilii) aiming to develop probiotic-based approaches to manage infections;
ii) molecular mechanisms of resistance to antifungals, in particular to azoles, in C. glabrata, with emphasis on those that are mediating resistance in the clinical strains;
iii) Identify new molecules (e.g organic acids) and peptides (e.g bacteriocines) that might have high anti-Candida activity and could be engaged in new materials to prevent contamination of medical materials

In my lab (https://sites.google.com/view/nuno-p-mira-research/), we work many different aspects of the Physiology and Biology of Yeasts that are our favorite organisms! Among them of course we study Candida species. In specific, we had been working on:

i) how Candida species interact with bacterial species of the microbiome (in particular lactobacilii) aiming to develop probiotic-based approaches to manage infections;
ii) molecular mechanisms of resistance to antifungals, in particular to azoles, in C. glabrata, with emphasis on those that are mediating resistance in the clinical strains;
iii) Identify new molecules (e.g organic acids) and peptides (e.g bacteriocines) that might have high anti-Candida activity and could be engaged in new materials to prevent contamination of medical materials.

Read more here: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/E-2965-2012

Dr.

Luis

Ostrosky

Professor and Chief

Academia

University of Texas Health Center at Houston

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics, Patient cohorts

https://med.uth.edu/internalmedicine/2022/11/17/luis-ostrosky-zeichner-md/

Dr. Ostrosky-Zeichner is a professor of medicine and epidemiology, Memorial Hermann Endowed Chair, the Vice-Chair of Medicine for Healthcare Quality, the director of the Laboratory of Mycology Research, and the Division Chief at the Division of Infectious Diseases of the McGovern Medical School (a part of UTHealth). He also serves as the Chief Epidemiology Officer and Associate Director for Antimicrobial Stewardship for Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and UT Physicians. He coordinates the emerging infection response for UTHealth and its affiliated hospitals and clinics.

Dr. Ostrosky-Zeichner obtained his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. He completed his internal medicine residency at Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, and his infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center combined fellowship program.

Dr. Ostrosky-Zeichner is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the Academy of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology. He is a Senior Editor for the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and an Associate Editor for Clinical Infectious Diseases. He is the President of the Mycoses Study Group and Educational Consortium and the Vice-President of the International Immunocompromised Host Society. He is also a past chair of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Standards and Practice Guidelines Committee and has been a consultant to the US FDA and CDC. He has advanced training and experience in medical mycology, healthcare epidemiology, emerging infections, antimicrobial stewardship, general and transplant infectious diseases, and healthcare quality, and has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles on those topics.

Mrs

Holly

Wright

FAILSAFE Project Manager

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Fungal AMR

Holly is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute with an extensive background in Operations, Leadership, and Project Management within both the public and private sectors. She is the Project Manager on the FAILSAFE project at the Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter. https://cmm-failsafe.com/

Shamanth

Shankarnarayan

Postdoctoral Fellow

Academia

University of Alberta

Canada

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Sporothrix

https://sites.ualberta.ca/~dcharleb/

I am postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Daniel Charlebois’s BSL-2 lab in University of Alberta. We are applying cutting edge technologies such as high-resolution imaging, machine learning to identify clinically relevant yeast pathogens. We also have identified a novel form of resistance called tolerance in multi-drug resistance organism Candida auris and found a way to mitigate it by adding adjuvent chloroquine along with anti fungal agents.

Dr.

Husam Eldin

Mohamed

Mycologist

Academia

Hamad Medical Cooperation

Qatar

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Sporothrix

Diagnosis, epidemiology, and antifungal resistance of human pathogenic fungi

I am a medical mycologist with 15 years of experience in clinical microbiology laboratory. I currently lead the clinical mycology unit at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, where I oversee fungal identification and antifungal susceptibility testing for clinical samples. In 2023, I earned my PhD in medical mycology from the University of Amsterdam, focusing on the epidemiology of fungal pathogens and antifungal resistance in Qatar.

I am committed to advancing fungal disease diagnostics and strengthening national mycology capacity in Qatar to address the growing challenges posed by fungal infections. Joining FAILSAFE represents an opportunity to contribute to efforts in improving diagnostic tools and strategies that enhance patient care and further progress in fungal research.

Mrs

Holly

Wright

FAILSAFE Project Manager

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

Antifungal Resistance pump priming project funding.

Holly is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute with an extensive background in Operations, Leadership, and Project Management within both the public and private sectors. She is the Project Manager, leading on the FAILSAFE project at the Centre for Medical Mycology. https://cmm-failsafe.com/

Martha

Helena Chaves Magalhães

Master’s student

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Candida, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, One Health and Education, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

http://lattes.cnpq.br/0153149247753698

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (2023) from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Worked at the Mycology Laboratory at ICB/UFMG for two and a half years (2021-2023) as a PIBIC/FAPEMIG scientific initiation scholarship holder under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Daniel de Assis Santos. During this period, developed scientific projects in the field of Microbiology – Mycology, focusing primarily on Cryptococcus neoformans and antifungal resistance, as well as participating in an interstate project within the One Health framework. Currently, she is a postgraduate student in the Microbiology Program at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of São Paulo, working on her Master’s project as a CAPES scholarship holder. Her research emphasizes Medical Mycology in the Laboratory of Pathogenic Dimorphic Fungi at USP under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Carlos Palleschi Taborda. At present, she is developing a new nanotherapy against Candida auris colonization.

Franklin Nyambe

Liamba

Registrar: Infectious Diseases

Industry

Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital

Zambia

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Outreach

I am interested in Antimicrobial resistance, management of multi-drug resistant infections, Antimicrobial stewardship and HIV/ AIDS medicine. I would like to venture into clinical epidemiology to generate data that is missing in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa and more specifically for Zambia.

I am a Zambia medical doctor currently specialising in Infectious Diseases. My current exposures are biased towards HIV/AIDS medicine, Tropical medicine and antimicrobial resistance.

Omar

Sued

International Advisor

Academia

Pan American Health Organization

United States

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Antigen, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

Public health implementation of interventions to reduce hiv mortality due to fungal diseases

Omar Sued is a medical doctor, specialized in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases . He
has been working in HIV since 1997 in different countries and settings, including public and
private hospitals, health centers, prisons and NGOs. He got a Master’s degree and a PhD
diploma in Acute HIV from the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
From 2009 to 2012 he worked as HIV Advisor for the Latin America and the Caribbean at the
Pan-American Health Organization Headquarters in Washington DC, US. He has been part of
several WHO guidelines expert groups. He has authored more than 100 papers in peerreviewed journals.
Since 2012 he is the Director of the Research Department of Fundación Huésped, a local NGO
that works in HIV prevention focused in transgender women and young men having sex with
men. Since his incorporation, Fundación Huésped has been admitted to several research
networks including the HIV Prevention Trials Network, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network and the
AIDS Malignancies Consortium.
He is the President of the Infectious Diseases Argentinean Society (SADI), where he previously
held the positions of Secretary (2013-2015) and Treasurer (2015-2019). Since March he has
represented SADI at the Presidential Expert Committee for COVID-19 Response. He represents
Latin America at the IAS Governing Council.

Professor

Liam

Cox

Professor of Biological Chemistry

Academia

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Working with industry

medicinal chemistry – drug discovery – AMR – tool compounds – mechanism of action studies

I am a professor of biological chemistry at the University of Birmingham. My research sits at the interface of chemistry and the life and medical sciences. My team designs and synthesises compounds to answer biological questions; some of these are fundamental in nature and involve the synthesis of tool compounds to probe biological pathways; other questions are more applied with a view towards potential translation, and involve the synthesis of compounds that modulate biological pathways or the behaviour of materials in a biological setting. We work on highly multidisciplinary research programmes with researchers from the fields of Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology. I develop, direct and manage the Chemistry arms of these programmes. We collaborate on a range of drug-discovery projects, and I have recently led an EU-funded European Industrial Doctorate Innovative Training Network, iDESIGN, which focused on developing better starting points for early-stage drug discovery.

Dr.

Victoriano

Garre

Professor

Academia

Universidad de Murcia

Spain

Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics

Identification of fungal molecular mechanism involved in mucormycosis. https://www.um.es/en/web/mucorgen/

https://www.um.es/en/web/mucorgen/miembros-actuales
My research career began after completing my studies in Biological Sciences at the University of Murcia, in the Department of Genetics and Microbiology at the same university, where I completed my doctoral thesis on the regulation of acetate metabolism in the mucoral fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus, under the supervision of Professors Francisco Murillo and Santiago Torres-Martínez. Subsequently, I undertook a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Prof. Paul Tudzynski (Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden, Westphalian Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany), where I worked on a project aimed at identifying pathogenicity factors in the fungus Claviceps purpurea. After the postdoctoral period, I joined the research group “Genomics and Molecular Biotechnology of Fungi,” which I currently lead.

My research career has focused on the molecular study of various aspects related to the biology of filamentous fungi, with a greater emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression in fungi of the order Mucorales. My research in these fungi has centered on five fundamental lines: (i) using fungal biomass for biodiesel production, (ii) regulation of light responses, (iii) post-transcriptional gene silencing (RNAi), (iv) characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in the virulence of Mucorales, and (v) the role of adenine methylation in the regulation of gene expression. Within these lines, our group has achieved significant successes. For instance, in the first line, I led a project in collaboration with Dr. G. Vicente’s group at Rey Juan Carlos University (Madrid), which resulted in two landmark studies in the field of biodiesel production from fungi. In the second line, I led a project that enabled the identification and functional characterization of several key regulators of the light response, including three photoreceptors. Regarding the study of RNAi, my work has focused on the characterization of a new non-canonical gene silencing pathway, which is involved in processes as relevant as pathogenesis and drug response in the fungus. In the fourth line of research, we have identified several virulence factors and developed genomic strategies and models to dissect the infection process, which we hope will contribute to the development of new antifungals to combat the lethal infection caused by Mucorales (mucormycosis). Currently, I am fully dedicated to determining the role of adenine methylation (6mA) in lower fungi, as they show much higher levels than other fungi and most eukaryotes and, therefore, may represent an unknown epigenetic regulation mechanism.

I maintain stable international collaborations with Prof. Joseph Heitman (Duke University, USA), Prof. Kaustuv Sanyal (Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, India), Prof. Ulrike Binder (Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria), Dr. Stephen Mondo (JGI), Prof. Teresa Pawlowska (Cornell University, USA), Prof. Yuanda Song (Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China), and Prof. Victor Meza Carmen (Michoacán University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Mexico). Collaborations with Professors Song and Meza Carmen have made significant advances in understanding the regulation of lipid accumulation in the first case, and G-protein regulation of dimorphism and pathogenesis in the second case, in Mucorales.

Umamaheshwari

Assistant Professor

Academia

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

India

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Virulence factors

Screening diversified Candida species from different environment, antifungal susceptibility, virulence, therapeutics against Candida

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Umamaheshwari-S

Mrs

Claire

Berry

Doctoral Research Fellow

Academia

University of Leeds

United Kingdom

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Diagnostics, Patient engagement

I was recently awarded an NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre Clinical PhD Fellowship to explore the optimisation of diagnosis and treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. The project is split into three workstreams – using data to determine current local resistance rates and treatment regimens, optimising testing conditions in the diagnostic laboratory and finally developing a clinical trial protocol to determine if any proposed changes to treatment and diagnostics improve outcomes for patients.

I have worked as a Clinical Scientist in the NHS for almost 20 years. The majority of this time was in the Healthcare Associated Infection Research Group which is a multidisciplinary group comprising of Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, University of Leeds and UKHSA staff. I worked on a variety of research projects most in collaboration with academic and industry partners, both nationally and internationally.

In 2021 I took up the role as a Clinical Scientist in Mycology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and in 2024 was award an NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre Clinical PhD Fellowship to explore the optimisation of diagnosis and treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Dr.

Rong Xiang

Physician & Lecturer

Academia

Universiti Malaya

Malaysia

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Sporothrix

I am an Infectious Diseases physician with a focus on managing infections in immunocompromised populations, particularly those with HIV and complex co-infections. My primary research has concentrated on bacterial and viral infections, my clinical work has involved managing invasive fungal infections and improving diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in resource-limited settings. I am particularly interested in collaborative research opportunities to better understand fungal disease epidemiology, enhance diagnostic strategies, and improve patient outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Staff Profile page: https://umexpert.um.edu.my/rxng, https://umexpert.um.edu.my/rxng.html

I am an Infectious Diseases physician at Universiti Malaya, specializing in managing infections in various condition, such as immunocompromised populations (people living with HIV). My clinical and research interests lie in improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for complex infections, with a focus on bacterial, viral, and opportunistic fungal infections.

I am actively involved in collaborative projects studying antimicrobial resistance, co-infections, and the integration of novel diagnostic tools into clinical care. Among my on-going research is about metabolic liver condition in people living with HIV.

Through my work, I aim to bridge gaps between clinical care and research, particularly for vulnerable populations at high risk of severe infections.

I am keen to collaborate with FAILSAFE members to explore innovative approaches to fungal disease management and enhance outcomes for affected patients.

Dr.

Sandeep Kumar

Dantuslia

Assistant Professor

Academia

Parul University

India

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement

My research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms in fungal pathogenesis, particularly the role of ubiquitin signaling in Candida albicans morphology, cell cycle, and stress responses. I specialize in proteomics, bioinformatics, and the development of infection models to explore antifungal therapeutic targets. Additionally, I have experience in microbial pathogenesis, plant and mammalian cell culture, and the structural characterization of unstructured proteins.

A small chapter on biotechnology in my 10th-grade textbook ignited my passion for science, setting me on a path to become a researcher. This initial spark was further fueled by a motivational speech from Suraj Sir of Let’s Talk Academy in Jaipur, which deeply inspired me to pursue a career in this field. Following this newfound enthusiasm, I completed a B.Sc. in Biotechnology at the University of Rajasthan and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, laying a strong foundation for my journey in scientific research. I embarked on a transformative journey in the realm of biomedical research. The pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the same institution, culminating in 2024, allowed for an in-depth exploration of cell cycle progression and morphogenesis in Candida albicans, with a focus on the role of ubiquitin mutations. The work, which included developing a vaginal candidiasis mouse model and examining the impact of ubiquitin mutants, demonstrated a commitment to advancing medical mycology. Following the Ph.D., me served as a Senior Research Fellow at MSU Vadodara, continuing to explore innovative approaches in molecular biology and mycology. Right now I joined Parul University as an Assistant professor in faculty of medicine biochemistry department. have received multiple accolades, including best poster awards at international conferences and prestigious fellowships like CSIR-UGC NET-JRF. My skill set includes advanced molecular biology techniques, proteomics, and bioinformatics data analysis.
I am passionate about collaborative research in molecular biology, medical mycology, and translational science, with the goal of contributing to innovative solutions for fungal infections and development of fungal vaccine related challenges.

eduardo

alvarez

researcher & academic

Academia

Universidad de Chile

Chile

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Outreach

Currently working at the Mycology Unit, University of Chile. We do research in bioinformatics, microbiology, and mycology. Our current project is ‘Molecular Phylogeny and Systematics of Conidial Fungi.’ Additionally, we are developing a project related to azole resistance in our country. We have studied several strains from around our country to know the mutations and mechanisms of azole resistance. Other works in progress are related to Histoplasma, imported mycoses for our country; antifungal susceptibility and phylogeny in T. mentagrophytes species; in T. tonsurans (another imported fungi in our country); phylogeny studies in mucoralean fungi from our country.
We hope to collaborate with everyone interested in mycology.

Dr. Eduardo Álvarez Duarte: Dr. in Biomedical Sciences from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV); Master in Oenology – URV, Master in Microbiology (U. Austral de Chile). Academic and researcher of the Microbiology and Mycology Program, U. de Chile. Ambassador for Chile of the Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI). Former president of the Latin American Association of Mycology. He has been the director and professor of different courses in medical mycology. He has been a principal investigator and collaborator in several projects. Author of several publications in international journals and books in the area. He has described nine new species of fungi for science. His current interests are epidemiology of mycoses, classical and molecular taxonomy, evaluation of antifungals, biodiversity of fungi in Chile, and biotechnological applications of fungi.

Borko

Amulic

Associate Prof/MRC Research Fellow

Academia

University of Bristol

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Virulence factors

The role of neutrophils in fungal infections.
Neutrophil immunomodulators for fungal infections. Enhancing the neutrophil response as a strategy to combat AMR.

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Borko-Amulic-7f48170b-3c68-470c-a56c-cf1aa0978cba/

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Borko-Amulic-7f48170b-3c68-470c-a56c-cf1aa0978cba/

Madalina

Carter-Timofte

Scientific Manager

Industry

Novo Nordisk Foundation

Denmark

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Scientific manager within infectious diseases, looking to broaden my understanding of the key challenges and solutions within fungal pathogens and resistance to treatment.

Mr.

Pocha Samuel

Kamudumuli

Lab Implementing Lead (HIV Viral load and Early Infant Diagnosis)

Commercial Organisation

CIHEB Initiative Malawi

Malawi

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am very passionate about mycology-related research, starting with developing diagnostic tools such as real-time quantitative multiplex molecular techniques, antibody and antigen detection, community awareness, and drug efficacy. I am currently conducting academic research (PhD) on “Strengthening diagnostic capacity for neglected fungal infections in Malawi,” where I have managed to develop a real-time quantitative multiplex PCR method to detect histoplasma and aspergillus in Malawi for the first time. Furthermore, I am interested in fungal and TB infection research to overcome emperical diagnosis and poor prognosis.

I am a Malawian medical scientist. I have worked in the medical laboratory and other health-related fields for at least 18 years. I am currently studying for a PhD in mycology at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). I work with CIHEB initiative Malawi laboratory implementing partner with funding from PEPFAR as a Laboratory Implementing Lead for HIV viral load and Early Infant diagnosis where my araes of support are but not limited to; provide technical support to MoH on development of laboratory policy and guidelines, design project implementation plan and monitoring tools, develop training materials and provide training to Users, coordinate laboratory and clinical interface meeting, coordinate VL and EID testing in molecular laboratories and in Point of Care facilities (POC) sites, conduct supportive supervision and mentorship for smooth implementation of activities, coordinate waste management and sample transportation in 14 molecular laboratories and 110 POC sites, provide technical support on project continuous application, provide technical support on Annual work plan development, provide technical support on Diagnostic Optimization Network (DNO), and to provide technical support in reaserch field.
I am a member of Global Action for Fungal Infection (GAFFI), and I am the Ambassador for Malawi. I do provide technical support in research, surveys, and dissemination of information on neglected fungal diseases to hospitals and teaching institutions. Furthermore, I am affiliated with the Medical Council of Malawi, the Malawi Laboratory Society, the American Society for Microbiology, and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine.
I have participated in nine publications, three papers as the lead author and two papers as the final author.

Aize

Pellón Rodríguez

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

Academia

CIC bioGUNE – Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biociencias

Spain

Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Vaccine development

My work is focused on studying host-microbe interactions, analysing molecular mechanisms of immunometabolism, nutritional immunology, and innate immune memory with the final goal of improving existing therapies and developing new ones. Notably, there is no fungal vaccines approved and, even though antifungal drug therapies exist, the increase in resistant strains or species highlights the need for new therapeutic strategies.
In this context, in the last years I have been focused on mucosal fungal infections (e.g., oral candidiasis), where epithelial cells play a crucial role in antifungal immunity. Alongside my previous advisor, David L. Moyes, and a fantastic group of colleagues at King’s College London and beyond, I have described the importance of immunometabolism for epithelial cell-C. albicans interactions by using molecular and cellular biology techniques, as well as multi-omic data sets.
In my current projects, I am analysing the role of innate immune memory in the interactions of epithelial cells with C. albicans and members of the microbiota. Innate memory has been proven a great tool to improve therapies, such as vaccines (e.g., BCG against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, MV130 against viral respiratory infections, etc.). Since one of the pillars that sustains innate memory is immunometabolism, there is a link between these responses and the nutritional environment. Therefore, I aim to improve vaccination strategies for mucosal fungal infections by modulating host metabolic pathways and nutrient availability, as well as by inducing epithelial memory.

Please, see my Linktree below where you can find links to my publications on Pubmed and different profiles on ResearchGate, CIC bioGUNE, etc.
https://linktr.ee/aizepellonrodriguez

Please, see below the link to my LinkedIn profile where you can find an overview of my career.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aize-pellon/

Christl

Gaubitz

Postdoctoral researcher

Academia

Copenhagen University

Denmark

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Innovative Platforms

I’m currently working on DNA replication using structural biology approaches and would like to shift my research towards structurally characterising putative novel drug targets to design peptide drugs using ai and structural data.

I am a biochemist/structural biologist who graduated 2015 from the University of Geneva. After a postdoc in the lab of Brian Kelch at Umass Chan Medical school, I am more working as postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen, where I consider establishing my own research group to design antifungal peptide binders that inhibit DNA binding proteins such as essential replication and transcription factors.

Professor

Ling

Ding

Associate Professor

Technical University of Denmark

Denmark

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Innovative Platforms, Omics

Antifungal drug discovery from different microbes; Genome-mining; Metabolomics

We are a team of natural product chemists aiming at developing new antifungal agents against resistant Aspergillus and other fungal pathogens. Our recent discovery is alligamycin from soil bacterial (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53695-3). We are in the process of looking for partners in understanding the mode of action, in vivo assays and developing it further to the clinical phase.

Sandro

Almeida

Professor

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Sporothrix, Vaccine development

My work focuses on understanding the immune response against fungi that cause implantation mycoses, such as Sporothrix brasiliensis and Fonsecaea pedrosoi. In this context, we analyze the pattern of the innate and adaptive immune response and identify immunogenic proteins of these fungi with vaccine potential.

Sandro Almeida completed a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from UNIFESP and a postdoctoral degree from Washington University – Saint Louis –USA. He is currently a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo. He is a CNPq Level 1D Researcher and scientific editor of the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, Frontiers of Microbiology and Journal of Fungi. He coordinated the pathogen/host area of the Brazilian Society of Microbiology. He coordinates projects with an emphasis on the study of the innate and adaptive immune response against pathogenic fungi, mainly in sporotrichosis and chromoblastomycosis.

Professor

Akif

Gurbanov

Research coordinator

Academia

Scientific Research Institute of the Medical Prevention named after V.Akhundov. Baku, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Virulence factors

Main research interests: Antifungal AMR, opportunistic fungi, diagnostic methods of fungal infections, search for new antifungal agents

Akif Gurbanov – Doctor of medicine, professor

Personal Information:

Place and Date of Birth: Republic of Azerbaijan, 13th November, 1964
Nationality: Azerbaijani
E-mail: agurbanov@amu.edu.az
Phone Number: +994 (55) 459 53 32

Education:

1. Azerbaijan State Medical Institute n.a. N.Narimanov, student (1982-1988)
2. Department of microbiology and immunology of Azerbaijan Medical University post graduate course (aspirant) – 1988-1992
3. Department of microbiology and immunology of Azerbaijan Medical University, doctorant – 2003-2008

Work Experience:

• 1988-1991 – post graduate course (aspirant), department of the medical microbiology and immunology (Azerbaijan Medical University).
• 1992-2005 – assistant, department of the medical microbiology and immunology (Azerbaijan Medical University).
• 2000-present – physician, Diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory (Azerbaijan Medical University)
• 2005– 2011- docent, department of the medical microbiology and immunology (Azerbaijan Medical University).
• 2011-present – professor, department of the medical microbiology and immunology (Azerbaijan Medical University).
• 2020-present Deputy director of the Scientific Research Institute of the Medical Prevention named after V.Akhundov. Baku, Azerbaijan.

Publications: more than 170 (significant current publications)

1. «The effect of Cumin’s essential oil on experimental candidiasis» // Defended the thesis for candidate’s degree of Medical Science (Baku-1992);
2. «The antioxidant system of microorganisms and infectious process» // Defended the thesis for Doctor’s degree of Medical Science (Baku-2008);
3. Medical mycology (educational supply), Baku, “Tebib”, 2007, 410 p.
4. The antioxidant system of microorganisms and infectious process // Azerb. Med journal., 2006, №3, p.143-147.
5. Experimental studying the role of Candida albicans’ antioxidant enzymes on pathogenesis of candidiasis // Problems of Med.Mycology, 2008, v.10, №2, p.14-16.
6. The antioxidant enzymes of microorganisms: pathogenicity role and perspective use in a medicine // Inter.Med.Journ, 2008, т.14, №2, p.105-109.
7. The effect of antioxidants on the antifungal action of fluconazole against Candida albicans // Problems of Med.Mycology 2008, v.10, №3, p.19-21.
8. Modern ideas the mechanism of antioxidants action on phagocytosis // Inter.Med.Journ, 2008, v.14, №3, p.108-111
9. Antioxidant enzymes of microorganisms as potential factors of pathogenecity// Inter.Med.Journ, 2009, v.14, №1, p.142-145.
10. The investigation of antibody existense against Leyshmania // International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences, 2009, 3 (2), p.45-47
11. Bdellovibrio-like bacteria parasitizing in the cells of Candida species // European International journal of science and technology, 2015, Vol 4, №4, p.65-70
12. Selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility test results in European countries: an ESCMID cross-sectional survey// Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2017 Feb;49(2):162-166.doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag. 2016.11.014. Epub 2017 Jan 10.
13. Synthesis and properties of chiral diakylaminomethoxy derivatives of L– (-) – menthol// Processes of petro chemistry and oil refining, Vol.20, N.2, 2019, p.168-176
14. Analysis of the challenges in implementing guidelines to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant gram-negatives in Europe// BMJ Open. 2019 May 19;9(5):e027683. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027683

Mrs

Alecia

Viljoen

Project Administrator: Research Services

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Education and Workshops, One Health and Education

I am working as a project administrator on the FAILSAFE project.

Alecia works on various research projects accross the university as project administrator. Her scope of work includes general project management, supporting the aims and objectives of research project as necessary, providing administrative and logistical support, working with finance officers for financial management of grants and arranging and hosting workshops and events for research projects, including international travel arrangements.

She has a background in internationalisation of higher education and partnership development and has shifted focus in recent years to specialise in research project management.

Ph.D.

Regina Helena

Pires

Research

Academia

Universidade de Franca

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions

Your areas of research interest are noted as fungal biofilms (mono- and multispecies), antifungal activity, and contamination of hemodialysis fluids. Let me know if you need further refinements or additional details.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6004-5951
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=26032655500
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ICFr65MAAAAJ
https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/pesquisador/106063/regina-helena-pires

Dr. Regina Pires holds a degree in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from the University of São Paulo (USP – Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ribeirão Preto), a Master’s in Clinical Analysis with a focus on Mycology from São Paulo State University (UNESP – Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara), and a PhD and post-doctorate in Biosciences and Biotechnology Applied to Pharmacy (UNESP – Araraquara), also specializing in Mycology. With extensive expertise in laboratory analysis and management, she has been a professor at the University of Franca since 2005 and a member of its Postgraduate Program in Health Promotion since 2015. Dr. Regina leads the Public Health Research Group at the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and is a researcher at the Center for Studies and Research in Health Promotion (NEP-PS). Her research interests include microbial contamination of waters used in hemodialysis (with a focus on fungal contamination), the bioprospection of anti-biofilm compounds, and bacteria-fungus or fungus-fungus interactions. She is an accomplished author and reviewer of national and international scientific journals, with a strong publication record in her fields of expertise.

Ivy

Dambuza

Research Scientist

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

The role of host genetics in latent cryptococcosis.
Immune mechanisms that regulate latent cryptococcosis.
Pathogenesis of TB-cryptococcus co-infection.
Understanding generation of immunological memory.

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/33473-ivy-dambuza
https://www.exeterbrc.nihr.ac.uk/people/ivy-dambuza/

Academic Background (https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/33473-ivy-dambuza)

– BSc Degree: Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, Honours Degree: Molecular and Cell Biology, MSc & PhD: Immunology.

Research Experience

– Host/Pathogen Interactions: I have investigated mechanisms of protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using in vivo infection model systems.
-Autoimmunity: I have worked on immune modulation and host factors influencing CNS autoimmune diseases, such as: Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)Uveitis

My current research focuses on understanding the host mechanisms of protection and susceptibility to fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. I have established a novel murine model to investigate memory immune responses to Cryptococcus neoformans and in the process of developing an in vitro granuloma model to study the genetic basis of susceptibility and resistance to Cryptococcus neoformans. I also have established an in vitro framework for investigating Crytococcus:Mtb co-infection (https://www.exeterbrc.nihr.ac.uk/people/ivy-dambuza/)

My Expertise

-Lymphocyte Biology: CD4+ T cells and B cells.
-Host-pathogen interactions: Fungal Immunology and Mtb Immunology
-Neuroinflammation and Mucosal Immunity (lung and gastrointestinal tract)
-Development and application of in vivo and in vitro models for studying infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Clement

Tsui

Principal Scientific Officer

National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Singapore

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Virulence factors

I have strong interest on the evolution, ecology and genomics of microbial pathogens. My work includes genomics of antimicrobial resistant organisms, metagenomics for public health microbiology, and molecular epidemiology of fungal and bacteria pathogens. I have been studying the microbiomes and population genetics of fungus and bacterial pathogens to plants, humans, and animals. Currently, I have funded projects studying the genomic epidemiology and antifungal resistance of Candida and Trichophyton species.

My lab uses comparative phenotypes, phylogenetic, and increasingly genomic/metagenomic approach to answer the questions below:
1. What is the genetic variability, population structure and adaptation of fungal pathogens?
2. What are the biotic and abiotic factors that shape the microbial communities/microbiomes in human, insect vectors, and the natural environment?
3. What are the ecological and molecular mechanisms driving the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and virulence in fungi and bacteria?

https://datascienceandhealth.ubc.ca/people/clement-tsui

Dr. Clement Kin-Ming Tsui is the Principal Scientific Officer in National Centre for Infectious Diseases in Singapore. He is also appointed as Assistant Professor in LKC Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada.
Dr. Tsui received his PhD in mycology and ecology at University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), followed by a post-doctoral training in fungal evolution, population genetics and ecology from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) and Westmead Hospital (Sydney, Australia). As a Scientist at Sidra Medicine (Doha, Qatar) and BC Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory (Vancouver, Canada). He has studied the molecular epidemiology and genomics of microbial pathogens. He also studied the virulence mechanisms and novel drug targets for tuberculosis.

Carla

Brown

Key Account Manager

Industry

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Industry engagement, Omics, Working with industry

MicrobesNG is a microbial genome sequencing company.

We provide value driven whole genome and metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis for microbial applications (including bacterial, fungal and viral samples). We use both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies for WGS and metagenomics sequencing.

Our key value is equitable access to genomics, and we therefore work with a range of LMIC’s through academic partnerships. Our most recent LMIC project is described here: https://microbesng.com/news/microbesng-joins-global-fight-against-shigella-/

As a company we are striving to improve our fungal WGS services and would like to share our knowledge with the network, and also work with the network to ensure our new services are suitable and accessible for the community.

I am a scientist and business professional with PhD in microbiology from University of Glasgow and currently studying MBA at University of Strathclyde. I am Key Account Manager at MicrobesNG and my role is dedicated to working with our customers and partners to ensure our services meet the needs of the community and new research areas. Passionate about advancing AMR awareness and research and have focused on this in most of my roles.

Prof

Evans

Egwim

Lecturer and researcher

Academia

Federal University of Technology, Minna

Nigeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Industry engagement

My research focus includes metagenomic analysis of wetland ecosystems for antifungal bioactive compounds, microfluidic diagnostics devices, antifungal resistance mapping and machine learning and influence of climate change on fungal gene expressions.

Prof. Evans Egwim
Centre for Mycotoxin and Food Safety
Federal University of Technology, Minna

Prof. Evans Egwim is a distinguished biochemist and researcher with extensive expertise in fungal gene and metabolite expressions, microfluidic diagnostics, and food security. As a leading academic at the Centre for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of Technology Minna, he is committed to advancing scientific solutions for mitigating mycotoxin contamination and enhancing food safety.

Research Focus:

1. Fungal Gene and Metabolite Expressions: Prof. Egwim’s research explores the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal metabolism, with a focus on gene expression and the biosynthesis of mycotoxins. His work aims to identify biomarkers and develop targeted interventions to combat fungal contamination in food and agricultural products.

2. Microfluidic Diagnostics: Leveraging innovative microfluidic technologies, Prof. Egwim designs rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tools for detecting mycotoxins and other contaminants in food systems. His research in this area supports the early identification of foodborne risks, contributing to public health and food security.

3. Food Security: Prof. Egwim is deeply invested in strategies that ensure sustainable food systems. He integrates biotechnological approaches with policy frameworks to address challenges related to food safety, agricultural productivity, and global food supply chains.

Academic Contributions:

Prof. Egwim has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, shedding light on the interplay between fungal pathogens and food systems.

He has supervised several postgraduate theses, mentoring the next generation of scientists in mycotoxin research, molecular biology, and food safety innovations.

Prof. Egwim actively participates in international collaborations and conferences, promoting global awareness and solutions for mycotoxin-related issues.

Leadership:
At the Centre for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Prof. Egwim plays a pivotal role in driving interdisciplinary research and fostering partnerships with industry and government agencies. His leadership ensures the centre remains at the forefront of addressing food safety challenges in Nigeria and beyond.

Vision:
Prof. Egwim envisions a world where advanced biotechnological tools and integrated food safety practices eradicate the risks posed by mycotoxins, ensuring healthier lives and sustainable food systems globally.

Luis

Martinez

Academia

University of Florida

United States

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Omics, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

The encapsulated fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, with the highest rate of disease in patients with AIDS. This microbe has developed its virulence factors by interacting with other organisms in the environment. It enters into the human body via the respiratory tract and the infection is controlled in the lungs of people with normal immunity. When a person’s immune system is defective, C. neoformans moves into the bloodstream and the fungus disseminates with a particular propensity to infect the brain. We are interested in elucidating the mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) invasion by C. neoformans and the interactions of the fungus with cells of the CNS including microglia, astrocytes, and neurons.

Luis R. Martinez, Ph.D. was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He is an associate professor at the University of Florida, where his research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of fungal brain invasion and colonization in immunocompromised individuals. Martinez laboratory is a magnet for trainees from historically disadvantaged in the biomedical sciences and medicine in the United States. Martinez is well-published and -NIH funded. He serves on the editorial boards of mBio, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Current Reports in Tropical Medicine, and Infection and Immunity.

Susana

Frases

Professor

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Host-pathogen interactions, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

I am deeply interested in how climate change and anthropogenic environmental damage drive the emergence of fungal virulence and antifungal resistance. By exploring the connections between these global challenges and the evolution of fungal pathogens, I aim to uncover critical insights into the escalating threats they pose to human health and ecosystems worldwide.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Universidad de Alicante (1994-1998), a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the Universidad Miguel Hernandez (1999-2004), and completed my postdoctoral studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2004-2009). I have worked as a researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Normalização e Qualidade Industrial (INMETRO-RJ) and currently serve as an Associate Professor at the Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where I lead the Fungal Biophysics Laboratory.

From 2019 to 2022, I coordinated the Graduate Program in Biological Sciences (Biophysics), rated as Concept 7 by CAPES. With extensive experience in Microbiology, particularly Mycology, I am a member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World. Additionally, I am a Cientista do Nosso Estado (FAPERJ) and hold a CNPq Productivity Fellowship (Level 1D).

Dr.

Sanhita

Roy

Faculty

LV Prasad Eye Institute

India

Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Virulence factors

The main focuses of our research are host-pathogen interactions, innate immune responses and antimicrobial resistance in microbial keratitis, both bacterial and fungal. Corneal infection is one of leading causes of blindness globally. We have been working on host defense peptides and various de novo synthesized peptides with a dream to develop a novel antifungals to treat severe corneal infections caused by these pathogens. Our research also involves study of small molecules that block bacterial virulence, inducers or elicitors for expression of AMPs.We have developed an ex vivo model of infection using cadaveric human corneas to test efficiency of various compounds. We also have an established in vivo mouse model to study corneal infections. We also study host-pathogen interactions with an aim to better understand how the host responds to these pathogens and identify targets that can be focused for developing alternative therapeutics.

Dr. Sanhita Roy, is a Scientist and Head of Ocular Pharmacology Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. She received her Ph.D. from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, India and did her postdoctoral studies in ocular immunology and host pathogen interactions from Case Western Reserve University, USA. She is an elected Associate Fellow of Telangana Academy of Sciences and member alumna of Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) and serves in various committees of ARVO. The main focus of her laboratory is host defense mechanisms and innate immune responses during microbial keratitis with emphasis on antimicrobial peptides (AMP) as an alternative therapeutic intervention to combat antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Roy’s lab has established ex-vivo model using cadaveric human corneas to study various AMPs and small molecules that inhibit virulence. Her laboratory also works with peptides that have potential of corneal wound healing. Her laboratory is funded by multiple national and international grants. Dr. Roy also serves in editorial board of several international journals. Dr. Roy has over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Biological Chemistry, Nature Immunology, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, and Carbohydrate Polymers and has patents as well. She actively participates in science outreach activities among school students and passionate about training next generation scientists. Dr. Roy has graduated three PhD students, and two are currently working under her supervision and has mentored several project fellows and postdocs.

PhD

Manoel

Oliveira

Researcher

Academia

Oswaldo Cruz Institute -Fiocruz

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Other spp., Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My main research interests are in the detection and taxonomic identification of emerging pathogenic fungi. In various environmental or clinical samples.

http://lattes.cnpq.br/9903817075364286

He holds a degree in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (2004) and Industrial Pharmacy from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (2005), a master’s degree in Clinical Research in Infectious Diseases from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (2009), a doctorate in Clinical Research in Infectious Diseases from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (2013) with a Sandwich Doctorate at the University of Minho (2012) and a CAPES/PNPD Postdoctorate in Clinical Research in Infectious Diseases from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (2015). He is currently a Public Health Researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, a visiting professor at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, a professor/advisor/coordinator of disciplines in the Lato sensu Postgraduate course at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, a professor/advisor of the Stricto Sensu Postgraduate course at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, a member of the postgraduate committee and a permanent professor of the Biodiversity and Health and Tropical Medicine courses at the IOC and Young Scientist of Our State (FAPERJ). Coordinator of the CNPQ research group: Mycology. Member of the editorial board of journals. Deputy coordinator of the Biodiversity and Health Postgraduate course, and a member of the Postgraduate committee. He has experience in the area of Mycology (Diagnosis and Taxonomy), working mainly on the following topics: polyphasic taxonomy, molecular biology, diagnosis of mycoses: sporotrichosis, candidiasis, dermatophytosis; environmental screening of emerging pathogens, fungal biodiversity, MALDI-TOF MS, fungal culture collection and experimental infection.

Prof. dr.

Ferry

Hagen

Group Leader

Academia

Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WI-KNAW)

Netherlands

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Working with industry

Epidemiology and diagnostics of fungal pathogens are the main focus of my research group. In the past I focused on Cryptococcus epidemiology but since I started my own research group at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, I shifted my interest to fungal diagnostics and epidemiology in its broadest sense. As there are limited diagnostic tests available for the endemic mycoses I dedicate most of my resources to fill this gap, not only be developing molecular tests but also I am involved in setting up easy-to-use and cheaper approaches like a lateral flow assay. My team is using long-read sequencing and bioinformatic tools to study the genetic diversity of pathogenic fungi and their non-pathogenic siblings. Since several years my research group acts as an ESCMID Collaborative Center and we host throughout the year clinicians and researchers who want to learn more about fungal diagnostics, from conventional techniques, to qPCR assays and next generation sequencing approaches. For more information about the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute see our website https://www.wi.knaw.nl

Ferry Hagen is group leader of the department Medical Mycology at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WI-KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology at the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht in 2005, and a year later he started with his PhD project at the CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Center in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The focus of this research project was the molecular epidemiology of the Cryptococcus gattii species complex, with an emphasis on the outbreaks in temperate climate zones. In 2011 he received his PhD degree from the Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and directly thereafter he started with a traineeship at the Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital to become medical molecular microbiologist. Since 2022 he is appointed as special chair professor ‘Fungal Functional Diversity’ at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam. The molecular epidemiology and molecular diagnostics of fungal pathogens are his main interests, with a focus on endemic mycoses and how to diagnose them fast and reliable at low cost. He is co-founder of the Young ISHAM, treasurer of the Netherlands Society for Medical Mycology, vice-president of ISHAM (2022-2025), advisor AFST for CLSI (2025-) and member of the Editorial Board of Clinical Microbiology Reviews, Medical Mycology and Revista Iberoamericana de Micología. He is member of the ECMM Academy and Fellow of ECMM and Honorary Fellow of ESCMID.

Professor

Patrick

Van Dijck

Full Professor

Academia

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Belgium

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Outreach, Virulence factors, Working with industry

In his research group there are currently three main research lines. The first focus is on nutrient-induced signal transduction pathways that affect morphogenesis and virulence in Candida species. There are also ongoing activities to identify novel antifungal compounds from either plant essential oils or from soil microbiota fermentation products. The third research topic is on the elucidation of antifungal resistance and tolerance mechanisms with a focus on the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris. Prof. Van Dijck published 242 peer reviewed papers and has an H-index in google scholar of 74.
The information on the current lab can be found at https//bio.kuleuven.be/mcb and the publication list: https://lirias.kuleuven.be/cv?u=U0009860

Prof. Van Dijck studied biology at KU Leuven. After one postgraduate year in Biotechnology, he started his PhD in the Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology on steroid-hormone regulated gene expression. After a five-year postdoc in the Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, in the lab of Prof. Thevelein, Department of Biology, working on yeast biotechnology, he went to Janssen Pharmaceutica to introduce molecular biology work in the Department of Biochemistry, with a focus on the development of high-throughput drug screening for baculovirus produced enzymes and gene expression interference. After 2 and half years, he came back to the MCB lab as an independent PI at the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, VIB. The focus was then on plant trehalose metabolism as well as starting the work on the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In his research group there are currently three main research lines. The first focus is on nutrient-induced signal transduction pathways that affect morphogenesis and virulence in Candida species. There are also ongoing activities to identify novel antifungal compounds from either plant essential oils or from soil microbiota fermentation products. The third research topic is on the elucidation of antifungal resistance and tolerance mechanisms with a focus on the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris. Prof. Van Dijck published 240 peer reviewed papers and has an H-index in google scholar of 74.

Miss

Shaghayegh

Moghadam

Master Graduate

Academia

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Iran

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

During my scientific activities, I developed a keen interest in the mechanism of action and resistance in antimicrobial drugs used in the management of infectious diseases and the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistant pathogens. I am particularly interested in fungal virulence mechanisms, drug resistance, and potential therapeutic targets. My aim is to contribute to related research and professors’ lab by bringing my background in medical mycology, molecular biology, and my passion for combating resistant pathogens. I am eager to explore new approaches in antimicrobial therapy and contribute to advancements that can significantly impact patient outcomes.

I’m a researcher deeply passionate about molecular biology and medical microbiology, with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance, antifungal therapies, and microbiome-based treatments. My academic journey started with a fascination for how antimicrobial drugs work and why they sometimes don’t. I’ve been especially interested in understanding how pathogens develop resistance through genetic mutations, enzyme production, or changes in their cell walls. This curiosity has led me to explore innovative approaches like microbiota-derived compounds to combat drug-resistant infections.
Over the years, I’ve gained hands-on experience with a variety of molecular techniques, such as PCR (colony, real-time), sequencing, and ELISA, as well as protein analysis methods like PAGE, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting. I’ve also worked on antimicrobial susceptibility testing using methods like microdilution broth and checkerboard assays to analyze drug interactions. My skills in statistical analysis using SPSS and citation management with Endnote have helped ensure that my research is both thorough and well-organized.
Currently, my work focuses on innate immune signaling and host-pathogen interactions in the gastrointestinal tract. I’m fascinated by how advanced models like organoids can replicate the complexity of the human body, offering new insights into microbial ecology and immune responses. Another area I’m exploring is uncharacterized fungal proteins and their evolutionary roles in fungal adaptability and pathogenicity.
For me, education has always been a lifelong journey. My experience as a teaching assistant taught me how to break down complex scientific ideas and share them in ways that inspire curiosity in others. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in microbiome research and immunology, focusing on developing sustainable treatments that harness the potential of microbiota-derived therapies and innate immune mechanisms.
Outside of the lab, I find joy in staying active through fitness, traveling to explore new cultures, and playing the piano—a passion I’ve had since elementary school. These hobbies keep me balanced and spark creativity in my scientific work.
I’m always eager to connect with like-minded researchers who share the goal of tackling global health challenges, particularly antimicrobial resistance and microbiome-based therapies. Let’s work together to create a healthier, more sustainable future!

Dr.

Olusanya Abiodun

OLATUNJI

Lecturer

Academia

Osun State University

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions

My interest is in the use of alternative therapeutic agents for combating infections from arrays of microorganisms including several bacteria and fungi pathogens which have shown resistant to synthetic antibiotics.

Dr. OLATUNJI Olusanya Abiodun is a dedicated lecturer at Osun State University with a Ph.D. and extensive experience in alternative medicine. His research focuses on the utilization of plant-based therapeutic agents to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi. Dr. Olatunji is passionate about exploring the ecophysiology of plants and their applications in health protection.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Olatunji has published numerous articles in reputable international journals, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. His expertise extends to advanced data analysis using various software tools, ensuring precision in his investigative work. His commitment to advancing alternative medicine highlights his dedication to developing sustainable and effective therapeutic solutions.

David

Moyes

Reader

Academia

King’s College London, University of London

United Kingdom

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Virulence factors

My group’s focus is on host-microbe interactions, specifically looking at immunometabolism, metabolic reprogramming, microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance using combined wet-lab and computational approaches based around metaegnomics and metabolomics.
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/david-moyes
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/functional-microbiome-group-moyes-group

Dr David Moyes is a Reader in Host-Microbiome in the Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in investigating host-microbe interactions and the role of both microbe and host innate immune responses in these interactions.

He gained his PhD from Harefield Hospital, Imperial College London, before working at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology investigating the link between microbes and rheumatoid arthritis.

At King’s College, he was part of a team that identified the central mechanisms by which epithelial cells discriminate between commensal (harmless) and invasive (disease-causing) forms of Candida albicans. This work lead eventually to the discovery of the novel Candidalysin toxin and its role in both disease and protection at mucosal surfaces.

His interests have evolved to investigate the role of the microbiome in causing disease. The Moyes lab studies the interactions between the human host and the microbiota that reside at the different mucosal surfaces, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. They are investigating whether changes in microbial communities associated with disease are a symptom of the disease, or whether they play a role in driving the disease process.

Current projects include investigating whether skin-associated microbes can drive or suppress conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, whether the common oral fungus C. albicans drives cancer progression and how it does this, and the role of early recognition events that microbes trigger in epithelial cells – whether these responses go on to improve innate immune responses to pathogens.

The Moyes Group are also investigating the changes in antimicrobial resistance genes associated with the oral and gut microbiome (resistome), and their transmission within the community (mobilome). As part of this they are looking at how these resistome and moblome profiles change between different countries and health states.

Prof.

Florent

Morio

Prof. of Medical Mycology, Researcher and hospital Practicioner

Academia

Université de Nantes

France

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops

Our research at Nantes Université aims to unravel the molecular determinants leading antifungal resistance in human pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus and opportunistic yeasts. We have a particular fascination with the evolutionary dynamics of fungal genomes in response to antifungal exposure. To tackle these questions, our group employs a combination of in vitro evolution experiments, genome sequencing, and precise genome editing techniques using CRISPR-Cas9. Beyond antifungal exposure, we are interested in studying how fungal pathogens circulate between the environment, animals and humans and how agrochemical compounds, used in the environment, may serve as alternative drivers of antifungal resistance in human and veterinary fungal pathogens, thereby embracing the principles of One Health.

Florent Morio is full professor of Medical Mycology and Parasitology at the school of Medicine, Nantes Université, while also serving as a clinical mycologist and Nantes University Hospital, France. He is also a collaborator of the French National Reference Center for invasive mycoses and antifungals (Institut Pasteur, Paris). He obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Montpellier University (France) in 2007 and a PhD at Nantes University in 2012, during which he delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying to azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. In 2018, he held a position of visiting researcher in Geraldine Butler Lab, at UCD, Dublin.

Abdul

Mehmood

Lead Scientist

Commercial Organisation

Rezon8 LTD

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My academic journey has been deeply rooted in the realm of biotechnology, and I am driven by a profound interest in understanding, mitigating, and combating global crises. Having completed my PhD in medical sciences, I have developed expertise in various aspects of this field. My research interests are centred on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and advancing our understanding of microbial behaviour in clinical, agricultural, and environmental contexts. I am particularly focused on AMR within foodborne pathogens, mechanisms of gene transfer, gut microbiota dynamics, and the development of innovative diagnostic tools to mitigate the impact of AMR on public health.

During my PhD in Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, I conducted extensive research on Campylobacter species, a leading cause of foodborne illness. My work investigated AMR carriage and transfer throughout the food chain, analyzing over 7,000 bacterial genomes. This comprehensive study identified critical AMR genes, such as tetracycline and ciprofloxacin resistance genes, and highlighted the role of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in horizontal gene transfer. I developed conjugational and transformational approaches to assess inter- and intra-species gene transfer, providing insights into how Campylobacter acquires resistance and its implications for human health.

Research Interests:
1. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Investigating AMR gene carriage, transfer mechanisms, and surveillance within the food chain, environment, and human microbiota.
2. Microbial Pathogens: Focus on Campylobacter and ESKAPE pathogens to understand resistance mechanisms and their implications for public health.
3. Gut Microbiota: Studying how antibiotic use alters gut microbiota and AMR gene dynamics over time.
4. Diagnostics Development: Creating rapid diagnostic assays for bacterial detection and antibiotic susceptibility testing to reduce clinical diagnostic times.
5. Plant Biotechnology: Examining stress responses in plants to environmental factors such as nanoparticles and salinity.
6. One Health Approach: Exploring the interconnection of humans, animals, and the environment in the spread of AMR.

Research Projects:
1. Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain (PhD Project):
– Investigated AMR carriage and transfer in Campylobacter and other foodborne pathogens.
– Analyzed 7,000 bacterial genomes to identify AMR genes and mobile genetic elements (MGEs).
– Explored inter- and intra-species gene transfer mechanisms using conjugation and transformation approaches.

2. Gut Microbiota Dynamics (PhD Project):
– Studied AMR gene changes in human gut microbiota over time, particularly in children.
– Analyzed microbiota samples from various food animals to identify sources of resistance transmission.

3. Nanotoxicity in Plants (M.Phil Project):
– Examined the effects of zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles on Capsicum annuum.
– Analyzed stress responses, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enzymatic defenses (GST and SOD).

4. Micropropagation of Potatoes (BS Hons Project):
– Investigated plant responses to salinity stress and optimized tissue culture techniques.

5. Bioenergy and Sustainability (BS Hons Project):
– Explored electricity generation from biogas and composting waste materials.

6. Rapid Diagnostic Assays (Rezon8 Ltd.):
– Developed assays to detect bacterial presence and assess antibiotic susceptibility in under 2 hours.
– Optimized protocols for clinical applications to minimize diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes.

7. Software for Healthcare Systems (Rezon8 Ltd.):
– Designed software to enhance diagnostic and treatment workflows, addressing bottlenecks in healthcare systems.

8. Collaborative Diagnostics Development:
– Partnered with a German pharmacogenetics firm to create diagnostic tools for multiple diseases.

Ongoing Goals:
My research aims to bridge the gap between lab findings and practical applications, contributing to public health and sustainable healthcare. Through collaborative projects, diagnostics development, and a focus on the One Health approach, I strive to combat AMR and its global impact.

For more details about my research and activities, visit my ResearchGate profile: [ResearchGate: Abdul Mehmood](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Abdul-Mehmood).

I am a passionate scientist and researcher with a PhD in Medical Sciences, specializing in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). My doctoral research focused on understanding the spread of AMR genes within the food chain, particularly in Campylobacter species, which are significant pathogens in both human and veterinary medicine. Leveraging computational biology and genomic tools, I analyzed a vast dataset of over 7,000 bacterial genomes to identify AMR genes, their transfer mechanisms, and the environmental and epidemiological factors influencing their distribution. My findings have contributed to a deeper understanding of AMR transmission pathways, enabling the development of targeted strategies to combat this global health challenge.

During my academic journey, I have developed a robust skill set in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and experimental design. My work has included anaerobic bacterial culturing, phenotyping, and large-scale genomic data analysis. I have also led efforts to design rapid diagnostic assays to detect bacterial presence and assess antibiotic susceptibility, with the potential to revolutionize clinical decision-making by significantly reducing diagnostic time. This aligns with my commitment to creating impactful solutions that address pressing health issues.

Currently, as the lead scientist at Rezon8 Ltd., I am spearheading innovative projects that aim to address global health challenges. One of our flagship projects involves the development of a rapid detection assay that provides a visual indicator of bacterial presence and antibiotic susceptibility within hours rather than days. This technology has the potential to transform clinical diagnostics by reducing diagnostic times, saving lives, and minimizing antibiotic misuse. Additionally, I am leading collaborations with global partners, such as a German company specializing in pharmacogenetics, to create advanced diagnostic tools for targeting multiple diseases. Our work also includes the development of software designed to streamline patient diagnosis and treatment, addressing bottlenecks in healthcare systems.

Beyond my academic and professional achievements, I bring extensive experience in project coordination and leadership. As a project manager, I have successfully overseen diverse initiatives, ranging from developing business strategies to managing cross-functional teams. My entrepreneurial ventures have honed my ability to adapt, innovate, and achieve results under pressure. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in time management, risk mitigation, and strategic planning.

In addition to research and business, I am dedicated to education and mentorship. I have served as a teaching assistant, mentor, and lecturer, guiding undergraduate and postgraduate students in biotechnology, microbiology, and bioinformatics. I have also developed and led skill development programs that combine technical training with business and project management courses. These initiatives reflect my belief in empowering others through education and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Driven by curiosity and a commitment to making a difference, I continuously seek opportunities to learn and innovate. Whether designing novel diagnostics, managing multidisciplinary teams, or mentoring the next generation of scientists, I strive to create solutions that address complex challenges like AMR, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future.

Ali

Ahmad

Associate Professor

Academia

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences – UVAS

Pakistan

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, Mycology, Molecular Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology, Food Born infectious diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Emerging infectious diseases, One Health

https://uvas.edu.pk/website/profile/dr-ali-ahmad-malik/

My name is Dr. Ali Ahmad Malik. Presently I am working as Associate Professor of Microbiology at KBCMA College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Narowal Campus, UVAS Lahore). I joined this campus as Assistant Professor of Microbiology on Nov 16, 2017. Previously I had served for more than 20 years in various national and international organizations. During this period, I worked as Veterinary Officer in Livestock & Dairy Development Department Punjab, Scientist in Veterinary Laboratories Agency Surrey, United Kingdom, Lecturer in Department of Microbiology, UVAS Lahore and Veterinary officer in the Experimental Research Laboratory for last six years at UHS Lahore. My main responsibilities include teaching and research along with additional charge of Associate Senior Tutor, Biosafety Officer and Coordinator for BS applied Microbiology Degree. I am a member of Pakistan Vet Medical Council, Pakistan Biological Safety Association, Microbiology Society United Kingdom, British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, American Society for Microbiology, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology & Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Russia and European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. I have developed Microbiology Laboratory, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Mycology Laboratory and Experimental Research Laboratory for biomedical research on laboratory animals. I have several research publications in national and international scientific journals.

Rita

Rwuaan

Veterinary Doctor and Public Health epidemiologist

Industry

Ahmadu Bello University

Nigeria

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Working with industry

My research interest centers on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through an integrated approach involving primary healthcare systems. I am particularly focused on understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing practices of primary healthcare workers in underserved regions, using the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) as a case study. My work seeks to identify critical gaps in knowledge and practice, assess the socio-demographic determinants of AMR-related behaviors, and develop targeted interventions to enhance rational antibiotic use.

By exploring the interplay between healthcare systems, community engagement, and policy frameworks, I aim to contribute to evidence-based strategies for AMR mitigation. Additionally, my research aligns with global and national efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Through FAILSAFE, I hope to collaborate with global experts to translate findings into sustainable solutions for AMR containment.

I am a public health professional and researcher with a strong focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), healthcare systems strengthening, and policy advocacy. My career has centered on community-based healthcare, rural development, and human rights. I have worked extensively with healthcare workers in underserved regions, analyzing their knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing behaviors related to antibiotics to develop interventions aimed at mitigating AMR.

As a former program officer for the OneHealth and Development Initiative and Triola Aina Foundation, I led projects in food safety, health systems strengthening, and youth development. My academic background and professional experience align with global health priorities, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

I am passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, and through FAILSAFE, I aim to connect with experts to advance research and implement sustainable solutions to address AMR globally.

Nnaemeka

Nnadi

Lectuerer

Academia

Plateau State University, Bokkos

Nigeria

1. Fungi and Climate Change: I explore how climate change drives the evolution and ecological dynamics of fungi, focusing on their adaptation mechanisms, potential pathogenicity, and impact on biodiversity and ecosystem health. This work seeks to elucidate the molecular and ecological responses of fungi to environmental stressors and assess their implications for public health and agriculture.

2. Vaccine Development: I am also invested in developing innovative vaccine strategies, including phage-based vaccines and epitope design, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance safety, efficacy, and accessibility. My work aims to revolutionize vaccine design and delivery, addressing pressing global health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and emerging infectious diseases.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=5mzOgPQAAAAJ

I am Dr. Nnaemeka Emmanuel Nnadi, a microbiologist with over a decade of academic and research experience. My work bridges the fields of microbial ecology, climate change, and vaccine innovation.

My research on fungal adaptation delves into the evolutionary mechanisms fungi use to respond to climate change. I investigate how environmental changes impact fungal pathogenicity, biodiversity, and ecosystem health, with significant implications for agriculture and public health. This work is essential in understanding and addressing the risks posed by emerging fungal diseases in a warming world.

Equally transformative is my focus on phage therapy and vaccine development. I lead cutting-edge research into phage-based solutions to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. With funding from Emergent Ventures, I am building a phage bank and advancing AI-assisted epitope design and reverse vaccinology for innovative vaccine platforms. My collaborations with global institutions, including research on typhoid vaccine development using phage display systems, highlight my dedication to tackling urgent global health challenges.

I am deeply passionate about fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and harnessing advanced technologies to improve health outcomes. I welcome partnerships to drive impactful research in microbiology, AI, and biotechnology.

Miss

Faezeh

Rouhi

Researcher

Academia

Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Iran

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

Molecular detection, Medical Mycology, Antifungal resistance

www.linkedin.com/in/faezeh-rouhi

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Faezeh-Rouhi-3

Msc of Medical mycology/detection of pathogenic fungi/Molecular mycology diagnosis.

SAFIATOU

DOUMBO

Parasitology and mycology researcher

Academia

University of sciences techniques and Technologies of Bamako – USTTB

Mali

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Vaccine development

My main research is based on fungi identification and host and pathogen interactions in exposed populations in hospital.
I have the diagnosis classic tools in my lab to update the patient care with the clinicians. Few years ago, I obtained the Maldi-tof still to improve patient care suffering for fungi infections

I’m scientist working in Parasitology and Mycology. My works are focused on fungi diagnosis and treatment of patients. I’m the lead of the mycology unit in my institution (Department of parasitic and fungi infection Epidemiology), in charge of training and lab /field investigation.
I monitor regularly the prevalence of Candidiasis and cryptococcosis in HIV Patients.
Since 2014 I evaluated the fungi spore’s circulation in the hospital ward to measure the risk patient exposition during their hospitalization
I’m the GAFFI ambassador in Mali and work closely with the Malian authority to improve fungi infection prevalence in my country.

Beth

Bradshaw

Medical Writer

Academia

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Patient engagement

Currently working at the National Aspergillosis Centre (Manchester, UK) and have started getting directly involved in data collection for various CPA research projects.

Did PhD+postdoc in microbiology, then quit academia to be a science writer for the NHS

prof

Aida Sadikh

Badiane

Lecturer and mycologist

Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar

Senegal

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics

My current research focus on estimating the burden of fungal infections in Senegal and west Africa, I am currently raising awareness among clinicians for prescribing. I am working on determining the incidence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) among tuberculosis patients.

I am currently a lecturer in Parasitology and mycology.

Professor

J. Mark

Sutton

Professor for Antimicrobial Therapies

Academia

King’s College London, University of London

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis

Development and evaluation of new antimicrobials, including novel antifungal agents.
https://researchportal.ukhsa.gov.uk/en/persons/mark-sutton/publications/

I lead a dynamic, interdisciplinary research group aiming to develop and evaluate new interventions to address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance, spanning work at UKHSA and more recently at King’s College London. Working with collaborators in some of the UK’s top universities and an array of international collaborators, we support the development of new antibiotics, antifungals and rapid diagnostic systems, to support translation of new discoveries to the clinic

Prof

Orla

Morrissey

Clinician Scientist

Academia

Monash University

Australia

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My main research interests are:
To determine the drivers for the development and outcomes of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
To determine the role of the fungus and the host in the development and outcome of fungal infections and important host-fungal interactions.
Antifungal drug development.
Surveillance for antifungal resistance and fungal infections in different patient populations.
Prevention of fungal infections including antifungal prophylaxis.

Staff profile page
https://www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/infectious-diseases/research/groups/morrissey_group

Prof. Orla Morrissey is a lead clinician within the Immunocompromised Host Consult Service, Alfred Health and Adjunct Professor in the Department Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. She is a clinician-scientist and her research is focused on determining: the epidemiology (including surveillance) of fungal infections, Aspergillus virulence factors, host-pathogen immune responses and immune reconstitution.
She is a principal investigator on a number of Australian government and philanthropic funded projects.

She is the past co-chair of the Australia and New Zealand Mycoses Interest Group and a founding member of the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSGERC). She has involved in the development of Australian and international guidelines on infections in the immunocompromised host. She is currently Co-Chair of the IDSA Update on the Guidelines for Aspergillosis. She is an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Transplantation. Prof. Morrissey has co-authored over 160 peer-reviewed papers and been invited to present at numerous national and international conferences. She has also supervised numerous honours, fellows and PhD students.

Prof

Colin

Suckling

Chief Scientific Officer and Research Professor

Industry

University of Strathclyde

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp.

See https/www.rostratx.com

Rostra Therapeutics is a new life sciences company with a mission to develop a novel platform of molecules, the 2nd generation Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs), into medicines to address unmet clinical need. Various S-MGBs have demonstrated efficacy against many different pathogens including fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites. Rostra Therapeutics will create and capture value by discovering and developing novel molecules into medicines to treat a variety of serious infectious diseases.

Colin Suckling is a graduate of the University of Liverpool (BSc 1967, PhD 1970, DSc 1989) and has spent most of the rest of his academic career at the University of Strathclyde where he was Freeland Professor of Chemistry from 1989 to 2012. During the 1990s until 2002, was Dean of the Faculty of Science, Deputy Principal, and Vice Principal of the University. Currently he is a Research Professor of Chemistry.
Colin’s research interests focus on the synthesis and properties of heterocyclic compounds designed as molecular probes for biological systems and as drugs for treating infectious and inflammatory diseases. The most advanced compound, a DNA Minor Groove Binder (MGB), has successfully completed a phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (May 2020). Other compounds in the Strathclyde collection of MGBs are nearing candidate selection status as treatments for African Animal Trypanosomiasis and also as antifungal compounds. Their development is being undertaken by a new company, Rostra Therapeutics, for which Colin is Chief Scientific Officer. A further project in the commercial phase concerns immunomodulatory compounds based upon the structures of protein secretions of parasitic worms. These show great promise as treatments for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and lupus.
Colin has published over 250 papers and books. He was the Adrien Albert Lecturer of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2009-10). Colin is a Fellow of many learned societies and Royal Colleges including the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Colin is an Honorary Fellow of the Indian Chemical Society and was a B.D Tilak Fellow of the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, in 2019.

Rogers

Kisame

Program Manager

Academia

Baylor College of Medicine

Uganda

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient engagement

Fungal AMR

Rogers is a public health specialist with >17 years of international, national and subnational experience in the design, implementation and monitoring of programs to strengthen HIV/TB/GHSA/microbiology laboratory networks, health systems, Global Health Security (GHS), AMR containment and One Health/Multisectoral coordination in resource-limited settings. He holds a master’s degree in public health, a bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory technology and received post-graduate training/certification in Health Program Management. Rogers was an HIV and AMR research Fellow, is certified in laboratory quality management system training/mentorship/assessment and serves various technical working groups. He currently serves as a Program Manager for a UK Fleming Fund Project Consortium (Uganda). Prior to this role, Rogers led a CDC-GHS project (Uganda); led a USAID-infectious disease detection and surveillance project (Ethiopia); served as senior HIV/TB/GHSA/microbiology laboratory adviser (Uganda, Eswatini); led a CDC-HIV/TB laboratory project (Eswatini); worked in/supervised a CAP-accredited laboratory (Uganda); and served as a research assistant (Uganda).

Lucia

Pagani

Head of ML/AI

BIOASTER

France

AI/new tools, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms

AI applications to microbiology and infectious diseases in antimicrobials, vaccine, diagnostics, microbiota.

Lucia Pagani has always been fascinated by science and healthcare. She obtained her PhD in Neurobiology at the University of Basel. Until the first half of her post-doc at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center she was working at the bench performing all sorts of molecular biology essays. It was during the second half of her post-doc that she discovered Data Science and Machine Learning. She temporarily left the healthcare world to become an expert in Artificial Intelligence, by working in different industries from social media to Law analysis, and then eLearning, to go back to healthcare after joining IQVIA, where she worked for 4 years as a Lead Data Scientist.
She joined Bioaster in September last year as Head of xData, a very diverse team involved in Data Management, Software Development and Data Science and Machine Learning.

Andreea Lăcrămioara

Mohorea Neața

Consultant ID in Hemato-Oncology and ICU

Academia

Institutul Clinic Fundeni

Romania

Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education

My primary focus is on invasive fungal infections in haematology, particularly in cases of acute leukaemia and post-bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients. You can find a description of one of our outbreaks of invasive fusariosis on the ward DOI: 10.1111/myc.13596
Unfortunately, we face limitations in our country regarding rapid diagnosis.

Since 2022, I have been an Infectious Disease Consultant at one of Bucharest, Romania’s largest tertiary care hospitals.
As an ID Consultant, I am consistently faced with the complex task of managing infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, particularly in severely immunosupressed patient populations. This includes the challenging area of invasive fungal infections.
Our hospital is a 1000-bed facility with a primary focus on Hemato-Oncology, with dedicated adult and pediatric BMT units, liber and renal transplant services, 3 ICU and a range of surgical and medical specialities, many with oncological or autoimune emphasis.
I focus my professional interests on three key areas:
– addresing fungal infections in hematology;
– implementing AMS strategies in our institution;
– increase vaccination awareness among IS adult patients in our country.

Dr.

Omotayo

Oyedara

Lecturer and researcher

Academia

Osun State University

Nigeria

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Virulence factors

With my expertise in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology, and computational biology, my research focuses on the epidemiological surveillance of microbial pathogens of clinical importance, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. I apply genomics, molecular techniques, and bioinformatics to study antimicrobial resistance among these microbial pathogens. My research interest is also to develop novel therapeutic agents against antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic microbes using computer-aided drug design. This also involves studying and repurposing potent drug candidates to reverse antimicrobial resistance by blocking different antibiotic resistance mechanisms in pathogens. I am also interested in enhancing the effectiveness of bioactive molecules for the control of pathogens through the synthesis of biologically active nanoparticles as well as microencapsulation for efficient drug delivery.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=9VpW2c8AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Omotayo-Oyedara

Dr. OYEDARA Omotayo is currently a faculty member at the Department of Biotechnology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. He obtained B.Tech. and M.Sc. degrees in microbiology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, respectively. He bagged his PhD in Biotechnology from the Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, IPN, México, with a full scholarship from the Mexican government (Conacyt). He was also a postdoctoral research fellow at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico. Dr. Oyedara is an expert in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology, genomics, computational drug design, and bioinformatics, with several scientific publications in reputable journals. His extensive research portfolio spans various aspects of microbial resistance, phytochemical analysis, and environmental microbiology, with a particular focus on the identification and characterisation of antimicrobial agents and the genetic profiling of microbial species. He has won several scholarships and awards. Additionally, he is a recipient of the prestigious award of the Mexico National System of Researchers (SNI-Candidate a Investigador Nacional) membership. He is a member of more than four professional bodies. Dr. Oyedara’s work continues to have a significant impact on the scientific community, advancing knowledge in microbial resistance and environmental microbiology and the development of novel antimicrobial agents. His dedication to research excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration underscores his status as a leading figure in his field. Dr. Oyedara is an excellent lecturer, researcher, and mentor to his students and young scholars.

Dr.

Hoa

Nguyen

Lecturer

Academia

Hanoi University of Science & Technology

Vietnam

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement

Nguyen Thanh Hoa, PhD (Ms.)
School of Chemistry and Life Sciences (SCLS)
Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Room C4-201 – No.1 Dai Co Viet Road – Hai Ba Trung District – Hanoi – VIETNAM
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoanguyen209/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoanguyen209/

Over the years, I have been deeply interested, and involved, in the field of doing research and teaching. I am aspired to open my knowledge about microorganism and genetic engineering in the future.

Miss

Vanunthakarn

Vorachaihirund

Grants Officer

Academia

Mahidol University, University of Oxford

Thailand

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

I’m working as a grants officer at Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit and looking for a new funding for our researchers in areas of tropical medicine, global heath, AMR and etc.

Vanunthakarn is a detail-oriented specializing in grant writing and budgeting. With a background in supporting researchers and two years of experience, she excels in identifying funding opportunities, drafting compelling proposals, and ensuring alignment with funder priorities. Passionate about driving impactful projects, she has contributed to securing funding for initiatives in education, global health, and healthcare. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business French and is committed to continuous growth in grant management. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and exploring diverse cultures, enriching her global perspective and dedication to advancing organizational success through effective grant acquisition.

Farida

Heydarova

Section manager

Academia

Scientific Research Institute of the Medical Prevention named after V.Akhundov. Baku, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida

Bacteriology and mycology

I, Heydarova Farida Hafiz, was born on April 26, 1966, in the family of an intellectual in Baku. I graduated from Azerbaijan Medical University in 1989. In 2016, I defended my thesis “Study of the antimicrobial activity of some pyridoxine azoderivates (mercurions)” and received a Ph.D. degree in medicine (specialization in microbiology). Currently, I am working as the head of the department of bacteriology and mycology.

Derry

Mercer

Head of Antimicrobial Programme

Academia

BIOASTER

France

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

My research interests include R & D in the area of antifungal drug discovery, covering all aspects and modalities, including immunomodulation. I have a strong interest in the use of AI and machine learning to facilitate this process. At Bioaster, we predominantly work with Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp., but want to work on other fungal pathogens. In my previous position, I have worked on drug discovery and development programmes on the above genera, and also dermatophytes, mucorales, Cryptococcus spp., Exophiala spp., Fusarium spp. and others.
Bioaster is a Technological Research Institute (IRT), created at the initiative of the French government and private life science companies, and is dedicated to the study of microbiology and infectious diseases. As a not-for-profit organisation, Bioaster offers a new approach to R&D, by integrating the principal scientific and technological disciplines, to better share the risks of innovation with a strong focus on the outputs required in commercial research. Our mission is to provide our partners and customers with innovative scientific and technological solutions to accelerate product development.

I am an experienced microbiologist who has worked in antimicrobial drug discovery for over 20 years, including antifungals, antibacterials and antivirals. I have worked on projects from drug concept to Phase III clinical trials and everything in-between. I have worked in both academia and the private sector in my career and currently I am the head of the Antimicrobial Programme at Bioaster, a French Technological Research Institute dedicated to the study of microbiology and infectious disease. I am a firm believer that the One Health approach to combatting the antimicrobial resistance pandemic is vitally important and currently work on projects targeting infections in HIC and LMIC (e.g. Chagas disease and paediatric diarrhoea).

Darren

thomson

Senior Experimental Officer (Mycology Bioimaging)

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Sporothrix, Working with industry

As SEO for the CMM and founding member of the Mycology Bioimaging Initiative, I’m keen to develop and translate advanced imaging tools (molecular tools, reporter dyes, sample capture & analysis) into the space of Mycology. I’m particularly keen to spread and democratise the use of fluorescence microscopy phenotyping applications to LMIC and unlock the ability to do basic-advanced characterisation of non-model organisms, w/ or w/out host cells, with fluorescent tools. Ideally we would envision a more sustainable approach where these experiments would be set up locally at the epicentre of fungal disease burdens, rather than exported to the Global North.

I’m an imaging scientist who applies and disseminates advanced live-cell imaging technologies and image processing techniques. I apply these to the growth of various pathogenic fungi, the protein dynamics therein, and their interactions with host epithelia, immune cells and ex-vivo infection models. I joined the MRC CMM in 2021 as Senior Experimental Officer to support the CMM teams (globally) with experimental, technological and analytical know-how to visualise and measure how fungal pathogens respond, regulate and impinge on host model organisms at the single-cell level. I’m interested in democratising advanced technologies and approaches for the wider community, with a focus on fluorescent tools and automation.

Dr.

Muhammad Ahsan

Naeem

Senior Lecturer

Academia

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences – UVAS

Pakistan

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarker, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

I am a dedicated professional with a Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary
Medicine, specializing in safeguarding animal health through proactive
measures. With a profound understanding of disease prevention and
control strategies, I am committed to promoting the well-being of animals
and minimizing the impact of illnesses on both individual animals and
populations. As a lecturer in Veterinary Pharmacology, I have the privilege
of sharing my expertise with the next generation of veterinarians. Through
comprehensive and engaging lectures, I strive to equip aspiring veterinary
professionals with a solid foundation in pharmacological principles and
practices. My aim is to empower them to make informed decisions
regarding the use of medications, ensuring effective treatment and
management of various animal health conditions. With a strong research
background, I am driven to contribute to the advancement of veterinary
medicine. My research endeavors focus on identifying innovative
approaches to disease prevention, exploring the efficacy of pharmaceutical
interventions, and enhancing our understanding of the intricate
relationship between animals, medications, and overall well-being. Whether
in the classroom, the laboratory, or the field, I am passionate about
fostering a holistic approach to animal health. By combining my academic
insights with practical experience, I aim to make a meaningful and lasting
impact on the health and welfare of animals, as well as the veterinary
profession as a whole.

Profile link:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vhUZXx4AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Dr. Ahsan, born in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan on June 27, 1988, topped Laboratory High School Faisalabad in 2004 in matriculation. He completed his F.Sc. (pre-medical) from Govt. College of Science, Samanabad, Faisalabad and secured Gold medal in his DVM degree (2002) from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan. He was appointed as Lecturer in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, UAF in 2012. He completed his M.Phil. Pharmacology in 2015 (sub-speciality in pharmacokinetics) in which he explored the kinetic interaction of anthelmintic and antibiotic in goats. He then moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for working as an Assistant Veterinary Doctor in a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Here, he worked on racing camels’ and horses’ blood, urine and faecal samples for haematology, biochemistry, serology, PCR and microscopic parasitic analysis. In 2016, he won Chinese Government Scholarship for PhD and did it from State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China. During his doctoral study, he worked on function and immunogenicity analysis of different secretory proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and also worked on transcriptional profiling of anti-TB drugs. After completion of his PhD, he joined the Department of Basic Sciences (Pharmacology), KBCMA College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Narowal (Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan and since then working here. He has 21 international publications in peer reviewed ISI indexed journals, one practical manual for undergraduate degree and 2 chapters in local publisher book.

Dr.

Qaiser

Akram

Assistant Prof.

Academia

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences – UVAS

Pakistan

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Outreach, Vaccine development

1. Zoonotic diseases: Studying diseases transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies, Ebola, or COVID-19.
2. Animal infectious diseases: Investigating bacterial, viral, or parasitic diseases affecting livestock, companion animals, or wildlife.
3. Antimicrobial resistance: Examining the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Fungi in veterinary settings.

Immunology and Vaccinology

1. Vaccine development: Designing and testing vaccines against infectious diseases in animals.
2. Immunological responses: Studying the immune systems of animals and how they respond to infections or vaccinations.
3. Immunomodulation: Investigating ways to modulate the immune system to prevent or treat diseases.

Diagnostic Microbiology

1. Molecular diagnostics: Developing and applying molecular techniques, such as PCR or next-generation sequencing, to diagnose infectious diseases.
2. Microbial identification: Improving methods for identifying and characterizing microorganisms in veterinary samples.
3. Disease surveillance: Monitoring and tracking infectious diseases in animal populations.

Microbial Ecology and One Health

1. Microbiome research: Studying the complex relationships between microorganisms and their animal hosts.
2. One Health initiatives: Investigating the intersections between animal, human, and environmental health.
3. Ecosystem health: Examining the impacts of microbial diseases on ecosystem balance and biodiversity.

https://uvas.edu.pk/other_campuses/Narowal/departments/pathobiology/qaisar.php

Dr. Qaiser Akram is a seasoned veterinarian and microbiologist with a passion for advancing animal and human health through innovative research and education. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathobiology, Dr. Akram brings together expertise in veterinary medicine, microbiology, and immunology to tackle complex problems in infectious disease prevention and control. Education: – Ph.D. in Microbiology, – DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) Research Experience: Dr. Akram’s research focuses on the development of novel vaccines and diagnostic tools for infectious diseases affecting animals and humans. With expertise in cell culture, molecular biology, and immunology, Dr. Akram has made significant contributions to the understanding of microbial pathogenesis and immune responses. Key Areas of Expertise: 1. Vaccine development and evaluation 2. Diagnostic microbiology and molecular diagnostics 3. Cell culture and viral/bacterial isolation 4. Immunology and immune responses 5. Microbial pathogenesis and virulence factors

Professor

Katherin

Castro-Rios

Associate proffesor

Academia

Universidad Industrial de Santander

Colombia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops

Fungice resistance in food products

Doctor in Agricultural Sciences from the “Universidad de Caldas” (Manizales, Colombia). Researcher and professor at the “Universidad Industrial de Santander” (Bucaramanga, Colombia). With experience in Food Science and Technology, with an emphasis on Food Quality Assessment and Control.

Prof.

Direk

Limmathurotsakul

Head of Microbiology Department

Academia

Mahidol University

Thailand

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Other spp.

Antimicrobial resistance, sepsis, tropical infectious diseases

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7240-5320
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=qCalGWoAAAAJ
https://www.tropicalmedicine.ox.ac.uk/team/direk-limmathurotsakul

Direk is the Head of Microbiology at Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (http://www.tropmedres.ac), Professor of Epidemiology at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand, and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology of the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of his main research areas.

He recently developed an offline, open-access and easy-to-use application that allows a hospital to perform data analysis and generate AMR surveillance reports automatically (www.amass.website; JMIR 2020). This application has been adopted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Thailand (JAC AMR 2023; J Infect 2024) and implemented in 127 public hospitals in Thailand. Using summary data submitted by the hospitals, the new Thailand AMR dashboard is open-access and is being utilized to support both local and national actions on AMR. Direk is expanding his tool to automatically analyze antimicrobial agent prescription data together with microbiology and hospital admission data, conducting studies on antimicrobial stewardship outcome indicators and impact of data utilization in LMICs.

Direk aims to include antifungal resistance and antifungal drug use into the tool (AMASS) and conduct research on antifungal resistance with the MoPH Thailand and partner hospitals in LMICs.

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7240-5320
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=qCalGWoAAAAJ
https://www.tropicalmedicine.ox.ac.uk/team/direk-limmathurotsakul

Maarten

van Dongen

Director

Commercial Organisation

AMR Insights

Netherlands

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, One Health and Education, Outreach

AMR Insights BV is dedicated to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a range of core activities aimed at informing, educating and enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing across sectors. At the heart of its mission is the Ambassador Network, a global coalition of > 700 experts from diverse fields—spanning human and animal health, agriculture, the environment, and regulatory bodies. This network fosters dialogue, shares research insights, and drives coordinated action to address AMR in a holistic, One Health context.

One of AMR Insights’ major initiatives is the organization of the ABR2AFR (Antibacterial Resistance to Antifungal Resistance) event, scheduled for 18-20 March 2025 in the Netherlands. This high-profile event will bring together stakeholders from across sectors to discuss the latest research, strategies, and innovations in combating antifungal resistance (AFR), which is an emerging and pressing global health challenge. The event will focus on the intersection of antibacterial and antifungal resistance, underscoring the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration to curb the rise of resistance. See https://www.amr-insights.eu/abr2afr-post/

Following the ABR2AFR event, AMR Insights will release a consensus declaration and roadmap summarizing key findings and actionable recommendations for stakeholders across various domains. These insights will serve as a call to action for policy makers, researchers, and industry leaders to take proactive steps in mitigating antifungal resistance in the northern and southern hemisphere, with an emphasis on sustainability and the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Dr Maarten B.M. van Dongen (1958) is originally a Molecular and Medical Microbiologist. After his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, he has worked for the international Pharma and Biopharma industry in The Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland and Belgium. As such he has gained extensive experience as a (project) manager of complex, international projects. More recently Maarten has worked as an advisor for Dutch and international public and private organizations in the domains of Life Sciences and Innovation.
As an advisor Maarten was increasingly asked to lead projects in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These included an international study to investigate the presence of resistant bacteria on imported farmed fish and shrimps. Likewise he was responsible for a project aiming to describe the development of bacterial resistance in mathematical models. In 2015, he was asked by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports to establish a national collaborative structure for the development of novel antibiotics.

In 2016 Maarten took the initiative, together with 12 Dutch organisations, to investigate the feasibility of a new to set up global information platform on AMR. On the basis of the positive outcome, he decided in 2017 to start AMR Insights. As of then he focused his professional activities on combating the global threat of AMR. AMR Insights was set up to inform, educate and connect professionals with the aim to add to the curbing of Antimicrobial resistance. AMR Insights is increasingly involved in AMR-related projects including the development of an easy access database with technologies, products and services involved in curbing AMR. Together with three other Dutch organisations he cofounded in 2020 the ‘Dutch Consortium Antibiotics and Pharmaceutical Residues from Water’.

In 2020 Maarten took the initiative to set up the global AMR Insights Ambassador Network. This Network now comprises over 700 professionals including MDs, Epidemiologists, Hospital Pharmacists, Scientists and Veterinarians in some 65 countries. Together with a team of Ambassadors he initiated the AMR Dashboard ESKAPE EXPLORE.

Maarten is committed to eliminating antimicrobial resistance because he does not accept that millions of innocent people need to die as a result of resistant bacteria and other microorganisms.

Information on AMR Insights BV: https://www.amr-insights.eu/

Joey

Shepherd

Senior Lecturer (Microbiology)

Academia

University of Sheffield

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Industry engagement

I am a relative newcomer to mycology but have growing interests in novel antifungal strategies (eg Natamycin incorporation into membranes, functionalised polymers) , particularly in corneal and wound infections. eg Swift et al DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201655

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool/our-people/academic-staff/joey-shepherd

https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/shepherd-lab/home

Professor

Richard

Quilliam

Professor of Environment & Health

Academia

University of Stirling

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR

https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/257111

Richard Quilliam is Professor of Environment and Health, with research interests in water quality and sanitation, environmental pathogen ecology, conflicting ecosystem services, sustainable agriculture & agroecology, and sustainable disease & waste management. His work adopts methods and theories from both the natural & social sciences and employs both qualitative and participatory approaches with a significant level of engagement with local communities.
Website: https://rsquilliam.wordpress.com/

Professor

Kauser

Jabeen

Medical Microbiologist

Academia

Aga Khan University

Pakistan

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-_rFu_oAAAAJ&hl=en

I have been actively performing research in the field of medical mycology that has led to recognition and international recognition. This has led to international recognitions and collaboration with European Confederation of Medical Mycology. I participated in a multinational explorative trial on “Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Critically Ill COVID19 Patients. Ongoing projects with ECMM include In vitro Susceptibility Testing of “Rare Moulds (RaMo), ECMM-EC/EFISG/ECMM/ISHAM initiative and ECMM Candida IV Study focusing on candidemia caused by non-albicans Candida species. There is also an ongoing collaboration with Northwestern, USA, primarily on Candida auris and antifungal resistance.
I have been creating awareness amongst health care providers through conferences, seminars and workshops. I have been invited nationally and internationally to deliver lectures related to fungal infections. I have organized and conducted multiple conferences, CME activities and workshops at national level, most noteworthy of these are as Chair, organizing committee, 1st and 2nd International Mycology Conference. Conference report published: https://doi.org/10.1177/20499361241272510. To create awareness regarding fungal diagnostics, I edited and published one mycology atlas in 2018 that has been so far 24,513 downloads. This atlas has also been translated in Malay in 2020 “Practical guide and atlas for the diagnosis of fungal infections” by Afia Zafar, Kauser Jabeen et al. I have contributed towards development of national level Massive open online courses for laboratory technologist. This intervention led to improvement in knowledge amongst technologists across the country.
Committee work:
• Lead of “Fungal infections” research group at AKU Fungal Infection – Research Group | MC, Pakistan | The Aga Khan University (aku.edu)
• Executive board member, International Society of Human and Animal Mycosis (ISHAM) Asia Professor Kauser Jabeen | The AFWG (afwgonline.com)
• Pakistan’s ambassador for Global Action Funds for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) Pakistan | Gaffi – Global Action For Fungal Infections
• Vice president of Pakistan Antimicrobial Network (PARN) that provides education and updates regarding antimicrobial resistance including antifungal resistance
• Coordinator for upcoming European Confederation of Medical Mycology/The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology guidelines for Aspergillosis
• Member, Global Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Candidiasis: An Initiative of the ECMM in Cooperation with ISHAM
• Member on ECMM initiative on an international consensus statement on mold infections in burn patients.

Beth

Mills

Principle Investigator & UKRI Future Leaders Fellow

Academia

University of Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Antifungal use, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Patient cohorts

I lead a program of work focused on microbial keratitis (corneal ulcer) – a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In many regions of the world, fungi account for 50% of cases. These cases, primarily cause by Aspergillus and Fusarium lead to the worst outcomes. They are difficult to diagnose and treat.

We are interested in the entire ecosystem of microbial keratitis – from better understanding pathogenesis and immune response (e.g. looking at patient samples, and developing in vitro models), to diagnostic and therapeutic development and evaluation (e.g. with SmartProbes, Lateral Flow devices, photodynamic therapy and immunomodulation).

https://inflammation-research.ed.ac.uk/people/principal-investigators/dr-beth-mills

Beth was awarded her PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Nottingham. She subsequently joined the EPSRC IRC Proteus project and Translational Healthcare Technologies group at the University of Edinburgh, where she led infection model development and the validation of optical SmartProbes and imaging devices for clinical translation in pulmonology. In 2017 Beth started investigating how such technologies could be adapted for point-of-care diagnosis of infection, considering technological, user and health system requirements in low-resource settings, with a particular focus on microbial keratitis (corneal ulcer). Beth concurrently undertook an MSc in Global Health and public policy at the University of Edinburgh to augment these endeavours, and she has built extensive networks across healthcare settings in India with whom she collaborates to co-design and evaluate these technologies, particularly in the field of microbial keratitis.

Beth started her UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship in 2022 to develop pathways to diagnose, treat and reduce the burden of microbial keratitis in India, with project partner Aravind Eye Care System. The research approach is two-fold, exploring both bottom-up (molecular characterisation of the disease pathways, modelling microbial keratitis) and top-down (health-system and patient care pathway mapping) methodologies to drive fundamental insight into the disease. This is enabling development of appropriate diagnostic and treatment tools and strategies within the Indian context.

Christine

MANDENGUE

MD, Dermatologist (Lecturer/Researcher)r

Academia

Université des Montagnes

Cameroon

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Patient cohorts

I work on Histoplasmosis in people with advanced HIV disease, being twice the principal investigator. i) 2008-2011: detection of histoplasmosis in people living with HIV in three sub-Saharan countries (Ivory Coat, Central African Republic, and Cameroon), using direct diagnosis tools (histopathology on skin and tissues biopsies), 13% of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) have been detected in the study population. Articles published from Cameroon results (as Cameroon site was in line with the validated protocol) are available at www.researgate.net. ii) 2022-2023: detection of histoplasmosis in people living with HIV, using Histoplasma antigen detection tests on urine (OIDx LFA test & IMMY Elisa kit, Laboratory of Public Health, University of Yaoundé 1, Pr Wilfried Mbacham, Molecular Biologist) and PCR tests on blood (National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Madrid, Spain, Pr Ana Alastruez-Izquierdo, Mycologist, WHO expert). 16% of disseminated histoplasmosis were detected on urine with LFA test, but only 4% with Elisa kit; all PCR were negative for histoplamosis. The study is not yet published, owing to disapointing results.
The current protocol aiming at detecting Candida auris in hospitals is awaiting for a financial and a collaboration team to let the study to start, as laboratory capacity is crucially lacking.

Short CV – Dr Christine Mandengue (She)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9329-392X
Graduation:
• Doctorate of Medicine (MD), University of Yaoundé 1 (Cameroon)
• Certificate of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Université François Rabelais, Tours (France)
Current Function:
• Lecturer & Researcher, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté, Cameroon Western Region: Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology Unit., www.udm.aed-cm.org
Research interest:
• Infectious diseases, especially “Histoplasmosis in AIDS persons”.
Participation in congresses:
• International and national Dermatology (many communications) and Medical Mycology (few communications) congresses
Publications:
• Some articles in peer review journals (https://www.researshgate.net).
Membership: fellow of scientific societies and working groups
• Cameroonian Society of Dermatology;
• French Society of Dermatology;
• French Speaking African Society of Dermatology
• West African Psoriasis Working Group
• Pan African Medical Mycology Working group
• Global Mycetoma Working Group
• Higherwomen (High Institute for Growth in Health Research for Women) Consortium (2017).
Other activities:
• Gaffi Cameroon ambassador
• Reviewer:
o Plos Neglested Tropical Diseases (plosntds@plos.org),
• Editorial Board
o Advances in Clinical & Experimental Dermatology and Therapies (https: //www.redelve.com).

Aiah

Khateb

Associate Professor of medical mycology

Academia

Taibah University

Saudi Arabia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Lateral Flow test, Outreach, Patient cohorts

I’m Interested in medical & environmental Mycological research, bio-innovation and Medical-industrial solutions. Working on identifying novel Molecular Detection & Mechanisms of microbial and Antifungal Resistance.

I’m investigating the interplay between fungal pathogens, the human immune system, and host genetic
susceptibility in the Saudi Arabia.
my current project aims to reveal novel
mechanisms underlying fungal infections,
identify new biomarkers for better diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

• Dr.Aiah Khateb is an associate Professor of Medical Mycology & Infectious Diseases. She did her
undergraduate at King Abdulaziz University in laboratory Medicine, then joined the University of Taibah as a
Teaching assistant for a year. She received her MSc in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases from the Faculty
of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Where she studied pathogenesis and molecular
detection, characterization, and pathogenicity of multidrug-resistance staphylococci, covering Staphylococcus
aureus, Methicillin-Resistant S. Aureus (MRSA) at the Center of antimicrobial resistance laboratory Alberta
Health Services (AHS)/ Calgary Laboratory Services (CLS) the University of Calgary (U of. Dr.Khateb
received her PhD from the University of Manchester where she trained and worked on research projects with
the clinical Mycology Reference Centre, Manchester (MRCM) for 4 years including identifying relevant
markers and novel resistance mechanisms using whole-genome sequencing and genetic mutagenesis of
patient samples.
Also, she is the Saudi Ambassador for Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI). She also published
many epidemiological reports on fungal infections supporting fungal awareness in Saudi.She has been
leading mycology research at the Special Infectious Agents Unit (SIAU) at King Fahd Medical Research
Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and hope to establish a reference laboratory to support fungal diagnosis. Her
current research focuses on finding novel fungal mechanisms of resistance and detection methods. in addition
to fungal applications in industries and environment.
Dr.khateb received the capability research grant from Taibah University and fulfilled its requirement with a
Q1 publication, showing her project management skills and passion towards the cause of fungal diagnosis.
Google scholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=S337YuAAAAAJ&hl=en

Ms.

Sadaf

Zaka

Research Associate

Academia

Aga Khan University

Pakistan

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

My primary research interests lie in the study of infectious diseases, with a particular focus on fungal pathogens and their impact on public health. I am passionate about understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of fungal infections, especially those that disproportionately affect populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

I aim to explore innovative diagnostic tools, antifungal resistance mechanisms, and effective public health interventions to reduce the burden of fungal diseases in resource-constrained settings. My goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of fungal pathogens and their interaction with hosts, ultimately improving global health outcomes.

I am a researcher specializing in infectious diseases, with a keen interest in fungal pathogens and their impact on public health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). My work focuses on understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of fungal infections, with the aim of developing innovative solutions to address the challenges of diagnosis and antifungal resistance in resource-limited settings.

In addition to laboratory-based research, I am deeply committed to the integration of public health strategies to mitigate the burden of fungal diseases in vulnerable populations. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, I strive to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation in LMICs.

My long-term goal is to contribute to a global effort to combat fungal infections by fostering research, collaboration, and advocacy. I look forward to engaging with FAILSAFE members and exploring opportunities for collaborative research to advance our collective understanding and management of fungal diseases.

Professor

Sean

Doyle

Principal Investigator

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Ireland

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Aspergillus fumigatus: Doyle studies the biology, diagnosis and molecular genetics of the human pathogenic fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus – a major cause of infection in immunocompromised individuals. His group has identified a number of potential virulence factors (proteins) in the organism, which may contribute both to its pathogenicity and emerging resistance to conventional chemotherapies. He was the first to identify and characterise a novel self-protection mechanism against gliotoxin in Aspergillus fumigatus, and elucidate gliotoxin biosynthesis & integration into A. fumigatus biochemistry. His group also identified a number of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, novel BGC-encoded enzymes and ergothioneine biosynthetic capacity in A. fumigatus. Interestingly, non-ribosomal peptide synthetases in fungi represent a novel source of bioactive metabolites and his published work is at the cutting-edge of this internationally competitive area. The primary research methods involved in this work comprise gene deletion studies, quantitative proteomics, immunochemistry and LC-MS.
Impact: Drug target discovery and addressing AMR.

Quantitative proteomic facilities (LC-MS/MS) at Maynooth University are available to Researchers: Contact: sean.doyle@mu.ie

Biotechnological applications of siderophores and other novel biometal chelators: Unprecedented development of strategy for the derivatization and conjugation of Aspergillus spp. siderophores (Moloney et al. 2016; PMID: 26739764) and generation of recombinant monoclonal antibody against ferrated form of triacetylfusarinine C (Moloney et al. 2021; PMID: 34543643). This unique monoclonal antibody has diagnostic and immunotherapeutic potential. In addition, siderophore-protein conjugates have potential as vaccine agents for immunisation against fungal disease in exposed or naïve individuals (humans or animals). Identification of gliotoxin as a metal ion chelator.
Impact: New strategies for detection and potential treatment of fungal and bacterial diseases to overcome antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Published on other fungal species too (e.g., Armilaria mellea, Agaricus bisporus and Candida spp. etc.) and strong interest in Madurella mycetomatis.

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/people/sean-doyle

Sean Doyle is a Full Professor in the Department of Biology at Maynooth University (since 2022). He was appointed as a Lecturer (1997), and subsequently promoted to Senior Lecturer (2001) and Professor B (2009), by competition, at NUI Maynooth. He directs a research group, with national and international research collaborations and publishes in high impact, international, peer-reviewed journals. To date, he has published 130 peer-reviewed publications, citations > 7500, h-index 47, and is a named inventor on 11 patents and patent applications. He is an expert in microbial proteomics, protein expression systems and immunoassay development.

He is now focused on overcoming AMR and fungal disease by exploiting (i) siderophore detection and (ii) inhibition of siderophore production and use by animal and plant pathogens.

He directs a productive research team in Molecular and Applied Microbiology. He is Co-PI on NEOSEPSIS, an Irish Aid/Science Foundation Ireland (now Research Ireland) SDG Challenge Award (2023-2025) to improve neonatal sepsis diagnosis in LMICs by Serum Amyloid A-Lateral Flow Test.

With respect to scholarship, he has graduated 31 PhD and 11 MSc graduates and has been internal and external examiner for numerous theses (MSc and PhD). His expertise in the areas of fungal proteomics & genetics, and of immunity to parvovirus B19, has been recognised by numerous invitations to speak at National and International events. Finally, he also has extensive industrial contacts, works closely with industry on knowledge transfer and new product development, and has licensed multiple technologies to industry. Biotechnologies developed in his laboratory form the basis of export products. Prior to joining NUI Maynooth, Doyle spent 8 years working in the in vitro diagnostic industry and ultimately held the position of Head of Research and Development with Biotrin (Dublin, Ireland) for almost 4 years. At Biotrin, amongst other significant achievements, he was responsible for the technical development and regulatory approval of the first US Food and Drug Administration-cleared immunodiagnostic test systems for the human pathogen, parvovirus B19 (B19). This technology, now owned by Diasorin S.p.a, and which has sales of over $120 million (up to 2019) has greatly contributed to the disease management of B19-infected immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women, globally.

Alexander

Lorenz

Senior Lecturer

Academia

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Omics

Genetic diversity and genome stability maintenance in Candidozyma (previously Candida) auris.

Alexander graduated in 2000 in Botany (with distinction), and in 2003 obtained a Dr. rer. nat. (PhD) in Genetics (with distinction) from the University of Vienna, Austria. After working as a postdoctoral research associate with Professor Josef Loidl for two years studying the meiotic chromosome axis organization in fission yeast, he was awarded an Erwin Schrödinger-Fellowship from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) to join Professor Matthew Whitby’s lab at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford. There he investigated the role of different DNA helicases in homologous recombination.
In May 2013 he joined the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition of the University of Aberdeen as Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology. In August 2021 he was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Fungal Genetics.

BOLANLE

AKINBOBOYE

LECTURER/CONSULTANT

Academia

University of Lagos

Nigeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Host-pathogen interactions

Fungal and oral infections in patients wearing removable prosthesis, oral rehabilitation and oral health of older adult.

http://staffprofile.unilag.edu.ng

Bolanle Akinboboye was born in Ogun State, Nigeria. She is a graduate of the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a Bachelor in Dental Surgery. She has a master’s in public health and a fellowship from the West African College of Surgeons. She is a prosthodontist with an interest in oral fungal infection, especially in patients wearing removable prostheses and older adults. She has a keen research interest and has been part of many research teams. She has also been the team lead of some of these research teams that have been funded by grant awards. She is presently pursuing a PhD in Medical Microbiology. She presently lives with her family in Lagos, Nigeria. She enjoys field trip visits and traveling. Contact her here
bakinboboye@unilag.edu.ng

Dr.

Alejandro

De las Peñas

Professor

Academia

Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica

Mexico

Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Microbial Pathogenesis, Virulence factors

My lab works on two projects on fungal pathogenesis:
1. The first line of defense against a microbial infection is the response of the immune system’s phagocytic cells. Phagocytic cells engulf bacteria in the phagolysosome, where the microbes are surrounded by an extreme environment: low pH, presence of lytic enzymes (lipases and proteases) and ROS and RNS (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species), which together destroy all biomolecules (DNA, RNA, lipids and proteins).). In the lab, our focus is on understanding the oxidative stress repose of the human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata. C. glabrata is extremely resistant to oxidative stress and we hypothesized that a robust response to oxidative stress is a virulence factor in this fungal pathogen.
2. C. glabrata was classified as a high priority risk pathogen on the WHO list of fungal priority pathogens. Despite this global concern, there still is a lack of a fast, highly specific, sensitive and affordable identification procedure for fungal pathogens (Candida spp). In our lab, we work on the development of molecular techniques to identify fungal pathogens. A fast and highly sensitive assay for the identification of fungal pathogens is paramount in the ICU of hospitals worldwide.

https://ipicyt.edu.mx

https://ipicyt.edu.mx/Biologia_Molecular/areas_biologia_molecular.php

https://www.ipicyt.edu.mx/curricular/AlejandroDeLasPeñasNava

Recent publications:
https://www.ipicyt.edu.mx/curricular/AlejandroDeLasPeñasNava/art_investigacion

I grew up in Mexico City and earned my B. Sc. in Biology from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) campus Iztapalapa in Mexico City. I received my M. Sc. degree from the Centro de Investigación sobre Fijación de Nitrógeno – UNAM (now called Centro de Ciencias Genómicas) in Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. I joined Dr. Federico Sanchez’ lab and studied the regulation of the common nodulation genes of Rhizobium etli, a nitrogen-fixing bacteria. I graduated suma cum laude. I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison at the Department of Bacteriology in Madison, Wisconsin. I joined Dr. Carol Gross’ laboratory and moved to UC- San Francisco with the laboratory. I characterized the alternative sigma factor, Sigma E, of Escherichia coli.
I continued my academic training with two postdoctoral positions. The first was at the University of Virginia – Charlottesville in the Department of Microbiology. Here, I joined Dr. Michael Christmann’s laboratory and characterized Pol-k, a specialized polyA polymerase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Then I moved to Johns Hopkins University and joined Brendan Cormack’s laboratory and worked with the fungal pathogen Candida glabrata. We were interested in understanding the transcriptional regulation of the EPA adhesin-encoding genes (which mediate adherence to epithelial cells).
Currently, I am a full professor in the Division of Molecular Biology at the Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica [IPICYT] (Institute for Scientific and Technological Research in San Luis Potos), a federally funded research center in Mexico. San Luis Potosí is the state capital of the state of San Luis Potosí and is located in central Mexico. I participate in our graduate program lecturing and mentoring master and Ph.D. students.

Oluwatayo

ABIOYE

Lecturer

Academia

Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education

I’m a curious, energetic, and passionate microbiologist. I conduct research in molecular, environmental and pharmaceutical microbiology (drug discovery and development). The search for biomolecules with antimicrobial potential in the natural environment (plant and water milieu) against resistant microbes, especially those exhibiting multidrug resistance, and the antimicrobial resistance of microorganisms in the human-water-plant-food-soil nexus are my areas of interest. I am also exploring wet laboratory techniques—like targeted isolation and metagenomic-based analysis—and dry lab techniques—like bioinformatics, docking, and dynamic simulation— in halting the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. I also research the relationship between the physio-biochemical characteristics and the presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants in the aquatic milieu.

Links to Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=NSzeHC0AAAAJ
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57193391430
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Abioye-Emmanuel

Dr ABIOYE, Oluwatayo Emmanuel has acquired Microbiological and Biotechnological skills over the years as a Microbiologist. He is good at mapping sampling sites and collection of samples (surface water, wastewater and seafood); isolation, identification and characterization of microorganisms; antimicrobial susceptibility testing; various PCR techniques (colony PCR, qPCR, gradient PCR, nested-PCR and multiplex PCR); gel electrophoresis; Cell fractionation by differential centrifugation and using bioinformatics tools for genomic analysis. Besides the invaluable technical know-how listed, he is equally prolific in presenting and writing scientific research findings.
Furthermore, Oluwatayo is proficient at data analysis and visualization, and molecular docking using relevant Application Packages such as Excel, SPSS, R, Gephi and AutoDock. These additional skills have enhanced his ability to present scientific findings logically and easily over the years in scientific meetings. His research findings have been presented at Local, National and International conferences and articles published in highly ranked and relevant journal outlets. In his doctoral research outputs, he confirmed the presence of vibriosis-causing and cholera-related Vibrio spp. in the Eastern Cape Province water milieu. As a result, he co-authored proactive and reactive-based monitoring and response guideline manuals for cholera and non-cholera-causing Vibrio pathogens for the Water Research Council (WRC) Eastern Cape, South Africa. Due to its broader coverage of cholera and vibriosis, the manual supplements the only cholera surveillance guideline manual currently in South Africa.
Furthermore, his research work demonstrated the significance of Vibrio alginolyticus as a prospective indicator organism for seafood security after reporting the detection of hcp, tlh, tdh, and trh virulence genes in strains isolated from aquatic animals and freshwater resources in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa for the first time. He has also published a method for determining the pathogen’s reservoir type using MPN-PCR techniques combined with statistical analysis. Also, his research work was the first to report that limpet (Scutellastra cochlear) a nuisance mollusc in a brackish water environment, serves as a reservoir for pathogenic Vibrio species and as such, advocated for the control of its population most especially in cholera endemic areas in the interest of the public health.
He has worked on antimicrobial potentials of plant extracts, essential oil and synthetic compounds using conventional, nanotechnology and in silico technology approaches and citations from the publications are a testament to his expertise in drug design and drug discovery. He has shown that essential oils from Citrus aurantifolia peels and Pinus sylvestris are excellent sources of active bioactive compounds against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
As a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he has supervised undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. He served as secretary and member to several committees (e.g. Departmental and faculty Board of examiners, faculty conference committee, faculty lecture and seminar committee and faculty board of studies etc.) that see to the smooth running of his Department and Faculty. He has collaborated with researchers from fields relevant to his research interests. He has published over twenty research articles and presented findings at over fifteen scientific meetings.

Adepemi

Ogundeji

Researcher

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Virulence factors

I am a part of the Pathogenic Yeast Research Group at the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State. My research area focuses on the management of cryptococcal infections, a deadly inflammatory condition of the brain—more so in people living with HIV/AIDS. The usage of fluconazole and amphotericin B in clinical settings is often limited by, among other things, drug resistance development and undesired side effects. Thus, there is a constant need to find new drugs to better manage fungal infections. Toward this end, my research is looking at the possible alternative drugs that can be repurposed as anti-cryptococal agents. This can change the current management guidelines concerning HIV patients with cryptococcal infections to improve their outcomes. Now, I am part of a research laboratory that primarily focuses on Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, where I am actively involved in postgraduate projects. I currently co-supervise 1 MSc and 1 Honours students. In addition to that, successful MSc and honours candidates were produced. From these studies, papers have been published in high-impact journals, and contributions were made to national and international conferences.
My scholarly contributions to the sciences are currently 1 book chapter, 11 publications, 1 patent, and 2 popular articles. My h-index is 9, with 230 citations. I review articles for peer-reviewed journals based on my expertise. A notable example is drug development research. https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=7y0RYaoAAAAJ&hl=zh-CN

After I completed my undergraduate degree (Chemical Pathology) at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Nigeria, I was employed as a medical laboratory scientist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria. There, I had an opportunity to work in a clinical setting and got exposed to see the impact of infectious diseases in our lives and the implications on societies. I then became interested in furthering my career in the microbiology field. I first registered for an honours degree in medical microbiology and then joined a research group on pathogenic yeast for a master’s degree, specifically looking at the management of cryptococcal infections, a deadly inflammatory condition of the brain—more so in people living with HIV/AIDS. During the course of my M.Sc. study, I got appointed as a laboratory assistant, where I got to teach the undergraduate microbiology students practical modules (MKB 226 and MKB 324) and also assist in the conduct of research and monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
Following my M.Sc., I registered for a doctorate degree as part of my continued interest in looking for possible solutions to combat infectious diseases. After I started with my doctorate degree, I also took up a part-time teaching position at a nearby university (Central University of Technology); there, I am responsible for teaching and mentoring undergraduate biology students till date.
Upon completion of my doctorate degree, as part of my continued interest in the management of cryptococcal infections with the significance of the outcomes from my research work so far, I decided to expand my knowledge on possible alternative drugs that can be repurposed as anti-cryptococal agents for post-doctoral research. This can change the current management guidelines concerning HIV patients with cryptococcal infections in order to improve their outcomes. At the moment, I am part of a research laboratory that primarily focuses on Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, where I am actively involved in postgraduate projects. I currently co-supervise 1 MSc and 1 Honours students. In addition to that, successful MSc and honours candidates were produced. From these studies, papers have been published in high-impact journals, and contributions were made to national and international conferences.

Dr.

Jorge

Cortes

Professor of Infectious Diseases

Academia

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Colombia

Antifungal use, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Patient cohorts

My research interests include the epidemiology of fungal infections, specially among patients with cancer. Clinical aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of severe fungal infections such as histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, and invasive candida infection (notably C. auris) are also in my reasearch interests. In the last years we have developed adapted guidelines for Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, Candida in the ICU and Aspergillus among cancer patients with chemotherapy. I am interested in the use of antifungals, promotion of correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment and in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients in Latin America.

Educational qualifications
Medical doctor School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, 1996
Internal Medicine Specialist School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, 2001
Infectious Diseases Fellowship School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, 2004
Magister in Clinical Epidemiology School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, 2022

Current positions
Full professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
Infectious Diseases Service, Hospital Universitario Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia (Reference Hospital for Cancer and Critical care, receiving patients from all over the country)

Dr.

Irene

Castaño

Professor

Academia

Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica

Mexico

Candida, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Virulence factors

Our research interests are focused in three aspects of the biology of the human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabratus).
1) Understand the regulation of expression of the major adhesin-encoding genes in C. glabrata by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms such as transcription factors, subtelomeric silencing and 3-D chromatin architecture.
2) Microevolution mechanisms of C. glabrata during infections and treatment with antifungals: development of resistance to antifungals and other stresses and Characterization of longitudinal and contemporaneous clinical isolates
3) Develop highly specific and sensitive diagnostic tools to detect multiple Candida species in clinical samples (blood and urine) by end-point PCR.
Link to papers:
https://www.ipicyt.edu.mx/curricular/IreneBeatrizCasta%C3%B1oNavarro/art_investigacion

Born in Mexico City, studied Bs, Ms and PhD in Biomedical Research at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Three postdoctoral stays: 1) University of Wisconsin-Madison (regulation of expression of rDNA-encoding genes in Escherichia coli, Dr. Richard Gourse); 2) University of California-San Francisco and University of Virginia-Charlottesville (sister chromatid cohesion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dr. Michael Christman) and 3) Johns Hopkins University (virulence factors and regulation of expression of adhesin-encoding genes through subtelomeric silencing in Candida glabrata, Dr. Brendan Cormack). In January 2005 I returned to Mexico and started my laboratory in Molecular Microbiology at the Molecular Biology Department at the Institute for Scientific and Technological Research in San Luis Potosi (IPICYT) as full professor. We have studied the regulation of expression of adhesins in C. glabrata through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. We are also very interested in understanding the mechanisms (genetic and epigenetic) by which C. glabrata can acquire resistance to antifungals during the course of the infection and documenting genetic and phenotypic variability of clinical isolates that share a clonal origin. We have developed a highly specific and sensitive end-point PCR to detect several Candida species from clinical samples. I actively participate in our highly competitive graduate program. Our group consists of highly motivated graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who work on unraveling genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that control the expression of important virulence genes (that confer resistance to antifungals, thermal, replicative and cell wall stress, or promote adhesion or persistence in the host). We also actively participate in scientific communication to children (elementary, middle and highschool as well as undergraduate students).

Dr.

Benjamin Kingsley

Harley

Academic / Researcher

Academia

University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho

Ghana

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Education and Workshops, Outreach

My primary research interest lies in leveraging Ghana’s rich biodiversity to address critical global health challenges, particularly those affecting low- and middle-income countries. My work is rooted in the exploration of bioactive natural products derived from plants, microbes, and other organisms to develop efficacious, safe, and accessible therapies for infectious diseases, including fungal infections.

Focus on Antifungal Drug Discovery

My research focuses on discovering novel antifungal agents targeting unique fungal pathways, as well as identifying compounds that enhance the efficacy of existing antifungal drugs, particularly those compromised by resistance. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, I conduct in vitro and cell-based screening of natural product samples, coupled with bioassay-guided fractionation, chemical optimization, and computational studies. Currently I am trying to establish s Caenorhabditis elegans – Candida model to complement the in vitro assays. This comprehensive strategy aims to generate leads that can ultimately contribute to addressing the global burden of fungal diseases.

Integration with FAILSAFE Objectives

Joining FAILSAFE aligns seamlessly with my research goals. I am particularly drawn to the initiative’s emphasis on addressing antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries, as it resonates with my commitment to finding context-specific, scalable, and sustainable solutions. By collaborating within FAILSAFE, I aim to contribute to the discovery of antifungal innovations that not only overcome resistance but also enhance accessibility for underserved populations.
Through this collaboration, I seek to expand the impact of my research and contribute meaningfully to the development of antifungal solutions that address the unmet medical needs of vulnerable communities.

Dr. Benjamin Kingsley Harley is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. He is an educator and researcher with expertise in Pharmacognosy, herbal medicine, and natural product drug discovery. He is currently the Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine and the Head of the Phytotherapy and Natural Product Research Group, School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Harley holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, an Associate Postgraduate degree from the University of Greenwich, UK and a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) from the KNUST, Ghana. He has undertaken research in various laboratory settings including Wellcome Centre for Anti-infective Research (WCAIR), University of Dundee (United Kingdom), Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry (IPBP), University of Muenster (Germany) and Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research (NIBR), Switzerland)
Dr. Harley is a member of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA), European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and an Associate member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

Dr.

Erum

Zubedi

Research

Academia

Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications

China

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Omics, Patient engagement

During my doctoral research, I specialized in predicting the likelihood of various types of cancers using advanced AI techniques. My research focused on creating robust machine learning models to analyze genomic datasets. My dissertation, titled “Integrated Multi-Omics Approaches for Cancer Prediction and Diagnosis Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models,” provided me with extensive experience in biostatistical modeling and data analysis.

I am a passionate researcher with a PhD and extensive experience in biomedical research. My dedication to advancing scientific knowledge has fueled my work in bioinformatics and artificial intelligence. I am eager to leverage my expertise in a dynamic environment, contributing to transformative research, and fostering impactful collaborations in the biomedical and AI industries. I am committed to continuous learning and making a meaningful contribution to the global scientific community.
As an experienced post-doctoral researcher, I bring my knowledge, skills and expertise in developing research strategies, international collaborations, and improving global links in public health research.
Reach me out at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erumzubedi/

Inemesit Okon

Ben

Academic Research

Academia

University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho

Ghana

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

My research interests include drug discovery from natural products (anti-infective (specifically antifungals) and CNS-related agents), antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, and environmental toxicology of microplastics. I have contributed to several high-impact studies, particularly in anti-fungal, antidepressants and anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesics and microplastics research. My doctoral studies focused on the anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylaxis activity of plant extracts. I am is currently championing computational pharmacology and microplastics research.

I am an expert in in vivo and in vitro pharmacological and toxicological studies of natural plant products (using murine models of disease state), in silico pharmacological and toxicological studies (using ADMET Predictor (SimulationPlus Inc), molecular docking techniques using softwares like PyRx, AutoDock Vina, and Schrödinger Maestro Glide Docking, Molecular Dynamics using DESMOND and GROMACS, PDPK Simulation), in vitro & in vivo bioassay techniques (develop standard operation procedures to carry out drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (DMPK) assays), microscopy, and spectroscopic analyses, and toxicological studies of microplastics. I have undertaken research in various laboratory settings including DMPK laboratory at the Wellcome Centre for Anti-infective Research (WCAIR), University of Dundee (Scotland), Central Laboratory, KNUST, Kumasi (Ghana). Additional skills include grant writing skills (Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF), 2023), Short Course Certificate in ICT Programming (Python) (World Friend Korea IT Volunteer Program, 2023), NVIVO Research Tool training (Kims International Limited, 2024) and Infectious Disease Modelling (DS-ZOOFOOD, 2024).
My Research profile can be viewed using the following links: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sCuNBMkAAAAJ&hl=en; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Inemesit-Ben; https://www.linkedin.com/in/inemesit-okon-ben-95a90063/; https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57190949227; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7752-3315.

I am a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. My research experience and expertise include in vivo and in vitro pharmacological and toxicological studies of natural plant products, in silico pharmacological and toxicological studies, and basic bioinformatics.

I hold a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology and B.Sc. in Biochemistry all from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. I also have Post-Doc Fellowship on DMPK, from WCAIR-University of Dundee, Scotland.

Dr.

Laura

Ferreras-Antolin

Consultant Researcher

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Patient cohorts

Main interest in Paediatric Mycology, specially epidemiology, neonatal invasive candidiasis, differences LMIC vs HIC and antifungal stewardship.
Link:
https://www.exeterbrc.nihr.ac.uk/people/laura-ferreras-antolin/

Dr. Laura Ferreras-Antolín is a Paediatric Infectious Diseases Consultant at St. George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London and a Research Consultant at the Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter (UK). She serves as a junior board member of the European Paediatric Mycology Network (EPMyN), she is actively involved in the Severe Bacterial and Fungal Infections working group within PENTA Child Health, and contributes to the Paediatric Invasive Fungal Infections group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Ferreras-Antolín’s research is dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and management of invasive fungal infections in children. Her main two focuses of work are the optimising antifungal use and stewardship and the study of the epidemiology and management of neonatal invasive candidiasis, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where the incidence and the mortality is higher and probably underestimated as well as Candida resistant isolates affecting neonates are more prevalent. Dr. Ferreras-Antolín is committed to build new collaborations that drive impactful research in paediatric medical mycology.

Cleo

Conacher

Principal Investigator and Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Academia

University of Stellenbosch

South Africa

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Omics, Outreach, Virulence factors

My research is focussed on understanding the interactions of yeasts with their environment. With a focus on opportunistic yeast pathogens of the subphylum Saccharomycotina, I apply microbiology, molecular biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence to understand, monitor, and predict how environmental yeasts change in response to external factors.

Drawing from a foundation in classical microbiology (BScHons), chemical engineering (MEng), and biotechnology (PhD), I have cultivated a versatile skill set that spans molecular biology techniques, genetic modification of non-model yeasts, high-throughput culture methodologies, heterologous protein expression, bioreactor fermentations, flow cytometry, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and data-driven modelling. Integrating core principles from microbiology, engineering, and artificial intelligence, I have investigated the production of fungal lignin-degrading enzymes, elucidated yeast-yeast interactions in natural yeast communities, and developed explainable AI algorithms for modelling temporal yeast community dynamics. More recently, I have turned my attention to understanding how pathogenic yeasts evolve under environmental stress, and how their changing physiology intersects with increasing antimicrobial resistance and virulence.
As Principal Investigator of a Grand Challenges Africa-funded project, I lead research and innovation for developing risk mitigating systems for fungal pathogens in low resource environments.

Olga

Mashedi

Mycologist

Academia

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Kenya

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Outreach, Virulence factors

Ms. Olga M Mashedi is a Senior Research Scientist working with Kenya Medical Research Institute. Ms. Mashedi, is a mycologist, specializing in indoor fungi’s impact on respiratory health, pollution, mycetoma, climate change, and community health engagement. Her research explores intricate correlations between indoor fungal communities, environmental factors, and respiratory implications. Notably, her work highlights the pervasive influence of indoor fungi pollution on air quality and respiratory health. With a commitment to public health, she advocates for awareness about fungal infections fungal asthma through community engagement. Ms. Mashedi’s multidisciplinary approach, bridging scientific inquiry and health advocacy. I am a research mycologist and my passion is in Filamentous fungi. I would like to identify research gaps in human health in Fungal Respiratory health research and develop research protocols to facilitate research activities. I would also like to develop accurate and up-to-date database for all research projects undertaken.

Ms.Olga M. Mashedi
Senior Research Scientist
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Ms. Olga M. Mashedi is a Senior Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and an accomplished mycologist whose expertise encompasses fungal characterization, antifungal drug profiling, indoor fungi, respiratory health, and community health engagement. Her multidisciplinary research focuses on understanding the broader impacts of fungi on human health, the environment, and public health systems.
Ms. Mashedi’s work spans diverse areas, including the classification and identification of filamentous fungi, the development of antifungal resistance profiles, and the intricate relationships between indoor fungal communities, environmental factors, and respiratory health. She is particularly passionate about exploring how indoor fungal pollution impacts air quality and contributes to respiratory conditions such as fungal asthma and mycetoma. Additionally, she investigates the rising threat of antimicrobial-resistant fungi, with an emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic approaches in the Kenyan context.As a firm advocate for community health engagement, Ms. Mashedi integrates public awareness campaigns into her work to educate communities about fungal infections, antifungal resistance, and preventive strategies. Her research bridges fungal characterization, clinical mycology, and environmental health, providing actionable insights that inform health policy and drive impactful interventions.
Committed to advancing scientific discovery, Ms. Mashedi is dedicated to developing accurate, up-to-date research databases and protocols to facilitate collaborative research. She actively contributes to KEMRI’s mission of addressing health challenges through innovation, teamwork, and evidence-based solutions.
As a mentee and mentor in mycology and respiratory health research, Ms. Mashedi fosters an environment of growth and collaboration, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists. Her work underscores the importance of bridging scientific inquiry with public health advocacy to address critical health challenges and improve health outcomes in Kenya and beyond.

Dr.

John

Builes

Clinical pathology resident

Academia

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Colombia

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Monitoring transmission, Sporothrix

Currently interested in testing new diagnostic tools that are quick and precise to optimize management of fungal infections in the field, also to gain a deeper understanding of risk factors from the one health perspective for invasive fungal infections.

American born, Colombian grown, since little always interested in how infections work. Currently a pathology resident in Colombia my main focus is still infectology from a laboratory perspective. How can we optimize diagnosis for people in the countryside that have difficulty to access optimal healthcare? How can we develop and facilitate tools that allow centers outside main cities with lower budget to improve patient work-up in low resource settings? What is the current status for pathogenesis development among known fungi in relation to climate change and what role wildlife and domestic animals play in the transmission cycle now and tomorrow? What other pathogenic organism are out there waiting for the right pieces to fit to start a new pandemic? These and more questions are currently open in my mind and I am eager to find or create answers for them. Always open to new knowledge, partnerships and learning!

Master

Chisale

Lecturer In Microbiology and Immunology

Academia

Mzuzu University, University of Dundee

Malawi

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Patient engagement, Working with industry

Master R.O. Chisale is a Senior Lecturer in the field of Microbiology and Immunology in the Faculty of Science Technology and Innovations under Biological Sciences department at Mzuzu University. Through the research, he primarily strives to address health disparities among underserved communities where quality health is highly sorted after. His research work involves collaborative partnerships with national, regional and international institutions and working with both private and public institutions. His teaching areas include microbiology ( general and medical), immunology, public health, epidemiology, research bioethics as well as laboratory quality management systems. Master Chisale has BSc in Biomedical Sciences, MSc in Microbiology with a focus on biormaker discovery for diagnostics development and a current PhD student at University of Dundee, United Kingdom. His PhD is focusing on Cryptococcosis Drug Discovery. He has published over 30 research work in highly reputable peer-reviewed journals. Most of research outputs are focusing on clinical diagnosis, clinical epidemiology, public health and general health care systems. I have two papers focused on fungal diseases particulary Cryptococcus neoformans.
Below are the links of my research work:
1. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1ee63eYAAAAJ&hl=en
2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Master-Chisale
3. https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/persons/master-chisale
4. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8301-6184
5.https://www.mzuni.ac.mw/?page_id=1456
6. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6507647379

Margherita

Bertuzzi

Lecturer in molecular microbiology

Academia

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Virulence factors

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/margherita.bertuzzi

Mrs

Rita

Garcia

Professor, Researcher

Academia

Universidade Federal do Paraná

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement

Research Interests

My research focuses on the comprehensive management of free-roaming cat colonies affected by sporotrichosis. Our research employs the CEDITRAM protocol, which encompasses capture, sterilization, identification (through microchipping and ear-tipping), diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of these colonies. The research aims to reduce the prevalence of sporotrichosis.
Key aspects of our research include:
– Community Engagement and Epidemiological Surveillance: We intend to mobilize local communities to identify and map sporotrichosis occurrences, fostering a collaborative network for disease surveillance and control. This involves citizen science initiatives and georeferencing of affected areas.
Environmental and Socioeconomic Analysis: Our work intend to evaluate environmental risk factors by examining areas where free-roaming cats reside, such as soil and vegetation, and assesses the socio-economic vulnerabilities that influence disease spread. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to map disease distribution and identify transmission hotspots.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: We promote collaboration among health, environmental, and governmental organizations to strengthen policies for controlling and preventing sporotrichosis. This includes educational campaigns on biosecurity and responsible pet ownership, and training programs for veterinarians and health professionals.
Territorialization and Risk Assessment: The project focuses on territorializing the disease within healthcare units, assessing the risk of transmission from free-roaming to owned cats, and developing protocols to prevent the abandonment of treated animals.
For more information about my research, please visit my profile on the Lattes platform: https://lattes.cnpq.br/5410130617608486

Graduated from FMVZ-USP in 1988, and I have extensive experience in medical clinics and diagnostic examinations. I co-owned a small animal clinic with imaging and clinical laboratory services and specialized in clinical pathology. I have also completed specializations in Public Health, Animal Welfare (e-Cambridge Institute), and Shelter Medicine (University of Florida).
In the 1990s, I worked with zoonosis control in two cities, one with one million inhabitants and the other with two hundred. In 1994, I commenced a master’s degree at FMVZ-USP, focusing on epidemiology applied to zoonosis control. In the cities, I implemented the first national program for the population management of dogs and cats, which became a model for hundreds of other cities. In 1999, I joined the São Paulo City Council, 14 million inhabitants, as an advisor to the Health Secretary, tasked with implementing the Animal Health Program, which involved managing dog and cat populations in collaboration with non-governmental organizations. By 2002, I was the director of the National Reference Center for Zoonosis Control and the PAHO Zoonosis Control Center in São Paulo. In 2004, I served as an advisor in the Health Surveillance area for the São Paulo State Health Department.
In 2005, I began a doctorate at FMVZ-USP. My thesis and published works on dog and cat population management remain a reference in the field. I have consulted for numerous municipalities and served as an ad hoc consultant for the OIE (2005-2007) on stray dog control (Chapter 7 of the Terrestrial Animal Code), the FAO (2011-2014) on dog and cat management policies, World Animal Protection (2003-2020), and the National Forum for Animal Protection and Defense (2020-2022).
In 2013, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Faculty of Medicine, USP, focusing on shelter medicine, zoonosis control, and animal welfare. I began teaching at UFPR in 2014, covering subjects such as Public Health, Legal Veterinary Medicine, and Collective Veterinary Medicine.
I have coordinated the specialization in Collective Veterinary Medicine at UFPR since its first edition in 2001, now in its second edition. I also co-coordinate the Collective Veterinary Medicine Center at UFPR (Centro MVC-UFPR), a laboratory inaugurated in 2022 dedicated to teaching, research, and extension. Since then, I have overseen more than 10 postgraduate researchers, over 15 completed scientific initiations, 10 extension scholarship students, and nearly 100 volunteer extensionists. Our projects involve various sectors and professionals, working interdisciplinarily based on the One Health strategy.
With the rise of sporotrichosis in Brazil and increased services for families with affected cats at Centro MVC-UFPR, I led the first intersectoral and multidisciplinary workshop to establish strategies for the prevention and control of the disease. This involved public authorities (state health and environment departments; state public prosecutor’s office; municipal health and environment departments; health and environment ministries), NGOs, professional associations, universities, and others, creating a collaborative network among these sectors.
One gap identified during the workshop was addressing sporotrichosis in free-roaming cats. Since then, I have developed research projects in this area, including for cats with guardians in socially vulnerable situations.

Yves Patrick

NIYONIZERA

Community Volunteer and Student.

Academia

National University of Rwanda

Rwanda

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

One Health, Patient Treatment, and Innovation.

My name is Yves Patrick NIYONIZERA, from University of Rwanda, a student in Clinical Medicine and Community Health department. Through this faculty, I leant about this NTDs concern disease and after I became interested to learn as most of people not understand start in diagnostic and prevention. Moreover, I believe Research is great portal to resolves problem which affect large number of patient. During, my Clinical Placement and Volunteer, I learnt much on this diseases and this all built my passion to learn much about mycology. Therefore, I will be happy to join this network with different dimension start from learning, collaborating, and engage in Research.

Olatomide

Fadare

Associate Professor

Academia

Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife

Nigeria

Combination therapies

My main research interest is drug design coming from synthesis of small organic molecules as intervention for infectious diseases also using computational techniques for the drug discovery process (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Olatomide-Fadare-2?ev=hdr_xprf)

I had all my degrees at Obafemi Awolowo University and trained as a synthetic chemist but I have acquired skill sets in computational chemistry that allows me to conduct research in medicinal chemistry using a rational approach and my professional accomplishment as a researcher stems from my endeavors to develop a new and effective antimalarial agent in order to contribute to the pool of available drugs to treat the disease (as well as other infectious diseases). I have been able to establish some pharmacophores that need further refinement before proceeding to other advanced stages of the drug design process which have been published in reputable journals. I have also been able to acquire skills in the area of computational medicinal chemistry and developed formats for virtual screening of organic compounds as a way of predicting the biological activity and bioavailability of the compounds before embarking on synthesis or any form of biological activity.

Postdoc

Robert

Tancer

Postdoctoral Associate

Academia

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – Newark

United States

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Virulence factors

I focus on developing novel inhibitors of antifungal drug resistance and inhibitors of fungal virulence factors. My efforts have resulted in the development and publication of a novel antifungal peptide that is a putative flippase inhibitor by design, which possesses broad spectrum activity against Cryptococcus, Candida, and Aspergillus. My research goals are to translate this preclinical candidate to clinical ready medication to treat antifungal drug resistance in immunocompromised patients.

I received my bachelors degree from Rutgers University, New Brunswick New Jersey, in the School of Arts and Sciences with a double major in Chemistry and Psychology. I continued with my professional development for a year and a half in industry following my bachelors degree working in various roles in the fine chemical industry ranging from quality control to R&D. I received my PhD Chemistry from Seton Hall University, South Orange NJ in 2022. I honed my skills as a chemist and developed my interest in solving antimicrobial resistance during my graduate studies while developing novel drug resistance inhibitors in bacteria and fungi. I am continuing my training in molecular biology as a Postdoc at Rutgers University, further developing my antifungal peptide and developing a mechanistic understanding as to precisely how and why it works.

Mr.

Leon

Novotny

Director

Industry

Other/institution not listed

United States

Antifungal use, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

Clinical trials for Oral Amphotericin B.

Director of Critical Care and Trauma One

Simon

Moore

Senior Lecturer in Synthetic Biology

Academia

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Industry engagement

We are a synthetic biology group interested in the engineering of natural products and new-to-nature derivatives. We use both whole cell and cell-free systems to engineer biosynthetic gene clusters, which are a rich source of antimicrobials and other high-value biopharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. We collaborate with UK Health and Security Agency, industry and international academic partners including the University of Sau Paulo, in the search for alternative antimicrobial therapeutics such as peptides and protein biologics. We have a specific collaboration with industry on the design and engineering of antimicrobial products using cell-free protein synthesis, which enables medium to high-throughput screening and engineering in microscale reactions.

I’m transferring to Imperial College London on 1st March, therefore my email and biography/website will be updated at a later date. A short biography is provided below.

PhD – University of Kent (2007-2011)
Postdoc University of Kent (2011-2013)
Postdoc – Imperial College London (2013-2017)
Fellow – Imperial College London (2017-2018)
Lecturer in Synthetic Biology – University of Kent (2018-2022)
Lecturer in Synthetic Biology – Queen Mary University of London (2022-2024)
Senior Lecturer in Synthetic Biology – Imperial College London (From 1st March 2025)

Our synthetic biology group is interested in biosynthetic gene clusters, which encode the biosynthesis of natural products including antimicrobials, biopharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. We are working on the optimisation of heterologous expression, using both whole cell and cell-free protein synthesis approaches, while we are working with UKHSA, industry and international academic partners on the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies (i.e., not small molecule) as a strategy to counter antimicrobial resistance.

Nasla

M Najeeb

PhD

Academia

Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala

India

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

I am actively looking for research opportunities. My area of interest align with the antimicrobial resistance and the factors affecting susceptibility of pathogenic strains.

Highly motivated PhD candidate in Microbiology.
As a post graduate student with a strong foundation in microbiology, I am eager to do a
PhD program that can enhance my research skills, laboratory experience and passion for
advancing knowledge on microbiology. I have procured several years of institutional
laboratory experience and I collaborated with research scholars to successfully complete
my graduation project, honing my teamwork and research capabilities .

Maria

Mantilla

PhD candidate

Academia

Université de Montréal

Canada

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Virulence factors

My research interests center on infectious diseases caused by fungi, particularly their mechanisms of pathogenicity, antifungal resistance, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

During my undergraduate studies, I investigated azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and its correlation with CYP51A gene mutations. For my MSc thesis, I characterized the lipid droplets in Malassezia pachydermatis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I contributed to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic efforts in Colombia, reinforcing the societal impact of molecular and clinical microbiology.

Currently, as a Ph.D. student, I am exploring the role of chromatin remodelers in Candida albicans, particularly the effect on antifungal susceptibility. My work reflects a broader commitment to addressing knowledge gaps in fungal biology to improve diagnostics and treatments for human health.

Overall, the projects in which I have been involved have allowed me to increase my interest in the following: 1) The importance of studying pathogenic microorganisms to prevent more people from being affected; 2) The lack of knowledge regarding fungi, their mechanism of pathogenicity, their metabolism, and the resistance fungi have developed against antifungal agents; and 3) The necessity to understand the fundamental cell biology of a microorganism to propose new ways of diagnosis and treatments in humans and animals.

Education
• Ph.D. Candidate – Université de Montréal
• M.Sc. in Microbiology – Universidad de los Andes
• B.Sc. in Microbiology – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Research Experience
• Ph.D. Researcher – Université de Montréal (2022–Present)
Chromatin remodeling in Candida albicans
• Research Associate – Universidad de los Andes (2021)
Lipidomic analysis of Malassezia spp.
• Professional in Research Projects – Universidad de los Andes (2020–2021)
SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics
• MSc Research – Universidad de los Andes (2018–2020)
Lipidomic analysis and fluorescence microscopy of Malassezia pachydermatis
o Collaboration with Utrecht University
o Published works in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology and Current Protocols.
• Undergraduate Researcher & Intern – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana & Université de Nantes (2015–2017)
Resistance mechanisms in Aspergillus fumigatus.

Teaching
• Teaching Assistant – Universidad de los Andes (2018–2020)
Microbiology & mycology laboratory
• Undergraduate Supervisor – Universidad de los Andes (2018–2020)
Supervised undergraduate thesis.

Awards and Scholarships
• Bourse de Mérite (2023–2025) – Based on research proposal, academic performance, and research experience.
• EvoFunPath Training Program Fellowship (2022–2024) – Canadian training program for mycologists
• Bourse de Formation aux Études Supérieures du Département (2022-2025) – based on research proposal and academic achievements.
• Funding for Conference Presentations (2019) – Covered presentation at the TIMM-9
• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship (2018–2020) – Fully funded M.Sc. tuition

Valeri

Sáenz

PhD

Academia

Universidad de Los Andes

Colombia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Other spp.

Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Fusarium/Neocosmospora
One Health approach
Antifungal resistance
Host-pathogen interactions
Fungal keratitis

My educational background includes Medicine, clinical microbiology, an MsC in Science-Microbiology, and a PhD in Biological Sciences. My research experience primarily focuses on medical mycology (Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Fusarium/Neocosmospora). During my doctoral thesis, I studied Fusarium/Neocoscosmospora using a One Health approach, identifying Fusarium/Neocoscosmospora in clinical, animal (sea turtle and sea turtle eggshells), and environmental isolates (soil and sand) in Colombia. I am also interested in antifungal resistance, host-pathogen interactions, and fungal keratitis. Furthermore, I have expertise as a university lecturer in medical microbiology and overseeing the antifungal resistance program at the Group for the Control of Bacterial Resistance in Bogotá (GREBO).

Precious

Kunyenje

Student

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Virulence factors

Mycoviruses and their role in human pathogenic fungi evolution, and anti-fungal drug resistance.

Precious Kunyenje is a Master’s student in Bioinformatics at the University of Cape Town, with an academic foundation in Medical Microbiology from the Malawi University of Science and Technology. His current research focuses on detecting molecular evolution in viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, using bioinformatics tools to analyse mutation and recombination events.

Driven by a passion for understanding the intricate relationships between pathogens and their hosts, Precious is particularly interested in studying mycoviruses —viruses that infect human-pathogenic fungi. He aims to explore the profiles of mycoviruses that infect human-pathogenic fungi, interactions with fungal hosts, and their influence on fungal virulence and antifungal drug susceptibility. This area of research will form the cornerstone for his planned PhD project.

Precious is eager to contribute FAILSAFE Medical Mycology group by leveraging expertise in bioinformatics and medical microbiology to advance understanding of mycoviruses and their clinical implications.

Kenia

Algaba

infectology

Academia

Hospital General San Juan De Dios

Guatemala

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Immune adaptation, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My main research interests are related to the prevalence of antifungal resistance, risk predictors and prevention strategies in critically ill patients. @keniaalgaba IG

Kenia Lisette Algaba García 36 years old, born in Managua, Nicaragua
I began university studies in Nicaragua, at the age of 17 entering the faculty of medicine at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua. I had an interest in microbiology and parasitology, so I participated in parasitology expositions, obtaining first place in the IV parasitology exposition.
Subsequently, I performed social service in rural areas of the country for 2 years during which I became very interested in the prevention and management of patients with HIV and tuberculosis, carrying the responsibility of coordinating said care programs.
I began studies in internal medicine in Nicaragua, during the residency I maintained interest in patient management, specifically related to infectious diseases, I participated in different national competitions, winning third place with defense of the case of “Meningoencephalitis due to naegleria fowlerii” award awarded by the Nicaraguan association of infectology, upon completing residency studies in internal medicine, I began a postgraduate course in adult infectology at the San Juan de Dios General Hospital in Guatemala to date, since Nicaragua does not have postgraduate degrees in infectious diseases, in November 2024 I started the 14th edition of the online Master on HIV infection (2024/2025) at the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, which I currently have.

Kisakye Diana

Kabbale

Bioinformatician

Academia

Makerere University

Uganda

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis

To use innovative technologies such as genomics, data science and AI to solve health problems.
My current area of research is on the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans which causes Cryptococcal Meningitis, commonly in immunocompromised patients.
https://ace.ac.ug/about/staff/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kisakye-Diana-Kabbale

I hold a Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University and an MSc in Genomic Medicine from St George’s University and King’s College London. I have over eight years of clinical experience, and I have enriched this experience with a career in Bioinformatics. Currently, I work as a bioinformatician at the Infectious Disease Institute and in the Kirsten Nielsen Lab (Virginia Tech).

I am interested in translating genomics and data science into improved patient care and policy. My current research focuses on Cryptococcus neoformans, WHO’s #1 priority fungal pathogen, which causes Cryptococcal Meningitis, a fatal brain infection in immunocompromised individuals. I use bioinformatics and other analytical approaches (statistical and machine learning) to probe both the pathogen and the host to understand why some patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis develop poor outcomes. This work also involves identifying molecular markers of resistance to fluconazole, an affordable and widely used drug for the management of Cryptococcal Meningitis.

Through this work, I hope to discover and drive novel personalized treatment strategies for patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis.

Nakisa

Sohrabi Haghdoost

Researcher, Assistant professor

Academia

Islamic Azad University, Tehran Science & Research Branch

Iran

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Antifungal susceptibility, Natural antifungal drug, Foodborne fungi and

Mycotoxins, probiotics, Antifungal resistance genes, PCR , Real time PCR,

Fungal virulence genes.

I am Dr. Nakisa Sohrabi Haghdoost, a researcher with a PhD in Mycology and several years of experience as an assistant professor at Islamic Azad University in Tehran. My research focuses on microbiological culture, antimicrobial resistance, probiotic fungi, and foodborne fungi. I have expertise in molecular techniques such as real-time PCR and bioinformatics tools. Over the years, I have published several papers related to fungal identification and the antimicrobial properties of natural extracts. Recently, my research has expanded to studying fungal microbiota in animals and exploring the impact of natural products on microbial growth.

Currently based in London, I am looking for collaborative opportunities to further my research on the intersection of fungi, biotechnology, and antimicrobial resistance. I am particularly interested in exploring new methods in protein crystallography, molecular biology, and related fields. My goal is to contribute to global efforts to combat infectious diseases, particularly in underrepresented regions.

Prof

Martha F.

Mushi

Associate Professor

Academia

Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences

Tanzania

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My research focus on the field of the epidemiology, fungal infections and exploring the molecular aspects of pathogens that are of significant public health concern. Within the realm of fungal infections, I am particularly intrigued by the emergence and spread of antifungal resistance, as well as the development of diagnostic approaches for accurate and timely identification of fungal diseases. I aim to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance and to explore innovative strategies to combat this challenge.
Moreover, I am actively involved in investigating the diagnostic tools and techniques available for the detection and characterization of microbial pathogens. By exploring and improving diagnostic approaches, I aim to enhance early detection and effective management of fungal infections, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes. Additionally, I am interested in studying the control measures for infectious diseases, with a specific focus on fungal infections. By assessing various control strategies, such as surveillance systems, infection prevention and control measures, and public health interventions, I aim to develop evidence-based recommendations for mitigating the transmission and impact of these diseases. Overall, my research endeavours revolve around the multifaceted aspects of fungi diagnosis, antifungal resistance, and control measures for infectious diseases. Through my work, I hope to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in these areas and make a positive impact on public health. My staff webpage link is CUHAS | Department Of Microbiology & Immunology and my research publications can be accessed through the following links:
Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7f1PWxUAAAAJ&hl=en
PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Mushi+MF

https://bugando.ac.tz/schools/school_of_medicine/departments/microbiology/team.php

Bwambale

Jonani

Laboratory Manager

Industry

Sebbi Hospital

Uganda

Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Patient engagement

My research interest is in understanding how candida colonization impacts vaginal mucosal immunity and HIV susceptibility

https://sebbihospital.co.ug/service/laboratory/

Trained as a laboratory technologist in Uganda, I have encountered numerous women struggling with recurrent vaginal infections, often reluctant to seek early treatment. Diagnosing these infections is further complicated by limited diagnostic tools and training in resource-limited settings like mine. Motivated to improve early detection, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology at Makerere University, followed by an MSc in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology. During my studies, I developed an interest in the interplay between reproductive hormones and vaginal infections. My MSc research focused on Candida africana, a cryptic species within the Candida albicans complex with varying fluconazole susceptibility. Using fungal culture and MALDI-ToF, I investigated its prevalence among pregnant women in Uganda, finding no cases. This work was published in BMC Research Notes (https://rdcu.be/d7U2w)
Building on this, I conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Diagnostic and Prognostic Research (https://rdcu.be/d7U4h) which found that C. africana is primarily detected via molecular methods. Expanding my research, I explored immune responses in African women with vulvovaginal candidiasis, with findings under review at PLOS ONE. My career goal is in understanding how candida colonization impacts vaginal mucosal immunity and HIV susceptibility, while contributing to early diagnosis of fungal infections

Prof.

Héctor M.

Mora-Montes

Principal Investigator

Academia

Universidad de Guanajuato

Mexico

Antigen, Candida, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Host-fungus interaction with particular emphasis in the cell wall immune sensing and search for virulence factors.

During my post as a clinical analyst, I developed a system for the differentiation of Candida species, based on in-house zymograms and colony morphology in cornmeal agar. As a postgraduate student, I generated a new and innovative method for in situ determination of glycosyl hydrolase activities and received the “Summa Cum Laude” distinction from Universidad de Guanajuato. Among the most important achievements during his time as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland), I set up most of the immunological techniques within the Aberdeen Fungal Group and developed and standardized protocols for the isolation and purification of chitin, phospholipomannan, N-linked and O-linked mannans from fungal cells. Those protocols have not only benefited the Aberdeen Fungal Group, but other international groups dedicated to the study of the fungal cell wall, and are considered among the most popular and standardized methods for the isolation and analysis of fungal cell wall components. In 2010, I established the Laboratory of Fungal Glycobiology at Universidad de Guanajuato (Mexico), with the main goal of understanding the mechanisms behind the fungal cell wall synthesis and the interaction of medically relevant fungal pathogens with the host. This laboratory is characterized by its facilities to perform chemical, immunological, genetic, molecular, and cellular analyses of human fungal pathogens. Therefore, it is among a handful of research facilities within Mexico and Latin America offering a multidisciplinary and integral approach to understanding these pathogens. Currently, the group is developing molecular tools for genetic manipulation of medically relevant fungi, in particular Sporothrix and Candida species. Our group has a solid international reputation in the genetic study of these organisms, in the immune sensing of fungal cells, and in the development of alternative models to analyze fungal virulence. Since 2016, I have been awarded the level III distinction by SNI, the highest distinction awarded by the Mexican Government for Mexican Researchers under 65 years old. I currently hold editorial appointments in several peer-reviewed international journals and am the Deputy President of the Latin-American Society of Glycobiology. I am currently the coordinator of the working group for Sporothrix and sporotrichosis of ISHAM, and the associate Editor-in-Chief of the journals Infection and Drug Resistance and the International Journal of General Medicine, both published by Dove Medical Press.

Martin

Egan

Associate Professor

Academia

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

United States

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Climate change impact on AFR, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Virulence factors, Working with industry

https://eganlab.uark.edu/

Our group use cell biological and molecular genetic approaches to understand how filamentous fungal pathogens grow as highly polarized cell types called hyphae, and how they use these to infect both plant and human tissues. We are principally interested in the role that the cytoskeleton and its associated molecular motor proteins play in controlling polarized filamentous growth and infection related morphogenesis.

https://eganlab.uark.edu/people-2/

I obtained my Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Pathology from the University of Exeter, UK, under the supervision of Nick Talbot, before undertaking postdoctoral training in Sam Reck-Peterson’s group at Harvard Medical School. I joined the University of Arkansas as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant pathology in July 2016, where my research focus is on the cell biology of plant and human pathogenic fungi

Brogan

Richards

Phd student

Academia

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Immunology, Virulence factors

Developing and testing complex fungal and bacterial polymicrobial biofilm models. Assessing microbiology interactions and their roles in antimicrobial/antifungal tolerance and resistance.

I Completed my Bsc(Hons) in biochemistry, MSc in microbiology and immunology before getting extensive clinical microbiology experience working in the NHS . I’m currently finishing my PhD focused on developing and examining the complex interactions between pathogenic fungi and bacteria in the context of cystic fibrosis. My research aims at studying their interaction and the role they have in antibiotic tolerance and resistance

Shuler

Co-Founder and CTO

Industry

RapidX Bio Limited

United Kingdom

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Monitoring transmission

Point-of-care diagnostics of fungal infections and AFR through plasmonic qPCR.

Clinical doctor, biomedical engineer and the co-founder of RapidX Bio. I am an NHS clinical entrepreneur and academic at the University of Cambridge, with a special interest in rapid point-of-care diagnostics of infectious diseases.

Travis

Hastings

Research Finance Assistant Manager

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement

I support research in medical mycology through my role as a research finance assistant manager within the Health and Life Sciences sector. While I am not directly involved in research, my work plays a critical role in facilitating and optimizing financial processes to ensure the smooth execution of projects. I am particularly interested in expanding my expertise to better support research initiatives in areas such as antifungal use, diagnostics, and the impact of climate change on fungal infections. By deepening my understanding of the financial and operational needs of these research areas, I aim to contribute more effectively to advancing medical mycology and supporting collaborations between researchers, industry, and healthcare professionals.

Please see my LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehastings/

As the Assistant Manager of Research Finance at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, I contribute to the successful delivery of the FAILSAFE project (Fungal AMR Innovations for LMICs: Solutions and Access For Everyone). This initiative, funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), aims to tackle the growing threat of antifungal resistance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. (cmm-failsafe.com)

In my role, I support the financial operations that ensure the efficient allocation and utilization of resources across various research endeavors. My responsibilities include budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance, all of which are essential to the successful execution of projects within the FAILSAFE network.

I recognize the importance of strong financial management in maximizing research impact and am committed to providing financial insights and support that enable researchers to explore new funding opportunities. By ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strategic financial planning, I aim to help researchers make the most of available resources, ensuring long-term sustainability and greater global impact in the fight against antifungal resistance.

With heritage from South Africa, I understand the challenges LMICs face in tackling infectious diseases, especially the need for greater awareness and access to antifungal treatments. I am passionate about ensuring strong financial management translates research into real-world impact. By fostering collaboration and sustainability, I hope to help create lasting change—because lifting one person lifts us all.

Ernesto

Cota

Senior Lecturer

Academia

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Industry engagement, Virulence factors

https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/e.cota

I have 20+ years experience in biochemical and structural analysis of protein structure and function. I have focused this experience on the study of microbial pathogens with recent emphasis on Candida albicans, the most commonly isolated opportunistic fungal pathogen. Our aim is to identify virulence factors of Candida spp. and their relative importance in pathogenesis. We also study these factors as targets for drug design and as tools for diagnostics:

Two main projects in our lab:
– We are using a range of biophysical techniques to identify interactions established between Candida spp. and the serum proteome.
– We are developing cyclic peptides against surface proteins from Candida spp. as tools to diagnose fungal infections in the clinic.

We employ structural techniques (X-ray crystallography & NMR for structural and functional analyses), plus a range of techniques for determination of binding constants (MST, ITC and SPR).

MSc

Patricia

Escandon

Head Microbiology Group – Public Health Research Division

Instituto Nacional de Salud

Colombia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Microbial Pathogenesis, Working with industry

My research interests mainly focus on medical mycology and public health important mycotic diseases with emphasis in pathogen interaction with the environment, virulence factors, pathogenesis and laboratory-based surveillance of systemic mycosis which includes diagnosis, epidemiology and fungal awareness in Colombia and the region. I have participated in the following:
§ Member of the Technical Research Committee, National Institute of Health
§ Formulation and development of research projects in the field of molecular biology, mycology and fungal ecology
§ Implementation of new diagnostic methodologies in the field of clinical microbiology
§ Use of conventional techniques in the mycology laboratory for the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of medically important fungi.
§ Evaluation of research projects and scientific papers

Links of my current research are:
https://www.ins.gov.co/Direcciones/Investigacion/Paginas/Microbiolog%C3%ADa.aspx
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000230774
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/gruplac/jsp/visualiza/visualizagr.jsp?nro=00000000008229
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/ciencia-war/evaluadorParesDetalles.do?codRh=0000230774

Please refer to the following links for biography:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patricia-Escandon-2
https://sciprofiles.com/profile/pescandon
https://www.ins.gov.co/Direcciones/Investigacion/Paginas/Microbiolog%C3%ADa.aspx
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000230774
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/gruplac/jsp/visualiza/visualizagr.jsp?nro=00000000008229
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/ciencia-war/evaluadorParesDetalles.do?codRh=0000230774

Medical Doctor

Ahmed Mohamed

KONATE

Mycology Assistant

Academia

Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako ( USTTB)

Mali

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

A medical doctor and researcher in Parasitology-Mycology, I am currently studying for a Master of Science (MSc) in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). My varied experience includes responsibility for the Mycology Unit at the Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC) in Bamako, Mali. My skills include statistical analysis and project management. I am a member of the Mali Medical Association, and my voluntary commitments underline my community involvement.
Epidemiological profile of vulvovaginal candidiasis in women hiv cesac Mali, publication in progress.
Seroprvalence of aspergillary infection in the pneumology-physiology department of CHU point-G, Bamako, Mali, publication in progress.
The estimated burden of fungal diseases in Mali.

Research assistant in Mycology July. 2020 – present
Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC)
– Epidemiology of cryptococcosis and candidiasis in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus in Mali.
– Synthesis, drafting and analysis of data and results from this study.
– Epidemiology and genotypes of mycetoma infections and management in Mali.
– Study to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and immunological characteristics of COVID-19 infection.
Physician – Laboratory Research Assistant December 2018 – July 2020
Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire infection Méditerranéen (IHU) Marseille/Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC)
– Training in prokaryote/ukaryote detection techniques using RT-PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
– Detection of plasmodial species by real-time PCR
– Aspergillus detection in sputum by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
– Detection of species responsible for Mycetoma using sequencing and anatomopathology techniques
TRAINING
Workshop on microscopy for the biological diagnosis of P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae malaria in Bamako 5 – 22 February 2024
Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC)
International conference on Ecology, Health and Societies in Africa 21 – 23 February 2023
UCAD, IRL, CEA AGIR, REHABS, OHM
Training Workshop on Community Involvement and Community Service
7 – 9 August 2021
Malaria Research and Training Center/Malaria Research Capacity Development in West and Central Africa MRTC/MARCAD
Virtual Scientific Days 24 – 25 September 2020
Network of Young Researchers in the CAMES zone
Addressing gaps in mycetoma research and treatment: feasibility and utility of collecting case reports via CURE ID July 2020
World Health Organization (WHO)
Annual meeting 5 – 7 February 2020
WANETAM 2
Sub-Regional Conference on Clinical Research April 2018
West African Consortium (WAC)
Training on EPI INFO 7.2 and SPSS statistical software July 2018
IT Unit of the Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-stomatology Bamako Mali (USTTB)
Screening for cervical cancer at the CSREF in Niono March 2016
Association of Niono Health Pupils and Students (AENSA)/PSI-Mali

Prof

Iain

Hunter

Research Professor

Academia

University of Strathclyde

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Industry engagement, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Vaccine development, Working with industry

Supporting Rostra Therapeutics Ltd in development of their platform technology for novel antifungal chemical structures in the treatment of fungal diseases.

Originally trained as a biochemist, but migrated to microbial physiology as my main interest. Principal Scientist at Pfizer, responsible for using the (then, new) DNA technologies in drug discovery and strain improvement for antibiotic production by Streptomyces and fungi. The remmit reached from high throughput screening to commercial (200,000 L) fementation. Returned to academic life working on Streptomyces with a team of gifted younger people. I’ve been associated with a number of spinouts (Biotica, Bioflux, Accies Bio, MGB Biopharma, 3F Bio and lately Rostra Therapeutics). My recent experience has been in discovery/development of novel antibacterials and I have supported Rostra since 2022 in their quest for novel antifungals.

Emily

Chesshyre

Mid career clinical research fellow, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Candida, Patient cohorts

Invasive candida infections in neonates and children
Aspergillus in children with cystic fibrosis

Dr Emily Chesshyre is mid-career research fellow in clinical mycology at the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, University of Exeter. Emily has worked as a clinical research fellow since February 2020 at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, where she has undertaken her PhD in Aspergillus infection in children and young people with cystic fibrosis (CF) supervised by Professor Warris, Professor Shore, and Dr Warren. Emily’s research interests are in paediatric medical mycology, in particular Aspergillus in children with CF, and neonatal and paediatric invasive candidiasis. Emily is a paediatric consultant at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust with an expertise in paediatric infectious diseases and immunity. Emily trained in medicine at the University of Southampton, and trained as a paediatrician in London, Malawi, and the South-West, completing higher specialist grid training at Bristol Children’s Hospital in paediatric infectious diseases, immunology and allergy. Emily is a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, UK Paediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship network, British Paediatric Allergy, Infection and Immunity Group, British Society of Medical Mycology and the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases.

MsC

Alexhander

Lopez

New Projects Coordinator

Asociacion de Salud Integral

Guatemala

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

Opportunistic infections in people living with HIV

Professional with expertise in plant cell biology and project management focused on the prevention, care, and treatment of HIV, particularly opportunistic infections.

Professor

Matthew

Todd

Chair of Drug Discovery

Academia

University College London, University of London

United Kingdom

Microbial Pathogenesis, Other spp., Working with industry

Antifungal drug discovery. Open science.
Group web page: https://todd-lers.github.io/about/
I founded Open Source Mycetoma: https://github.com/OpenSourceMycetoma

https://todd-lers.github.io/about/current.html

Mat Todd was born in Manchester, England. He was educated at Cambridge University where he obtained an MA in Natural Sciences in 1995 and a PhD in organic chemistry (with Chris Abell) in 1999. He was then a Wellcome Trust postdoc at The University of California, Berkeley (99-00), a College Fellow back at New Hall (now Murray Edwards) College, Cambridge University (00-01), a Lecturer in Chemistry at Queen Mary, University of London (01-05) and between 2005 and 2018 was at the School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney where he moved from Lecturer to Associate Professor. He is now Professor and Chair of Drug Discovery at University College London (2018-present).

He has a significant interest in open science, and how it may be used to accelerate research, with particular emphasis on open source discovery of new medicines. He founded and currently leads several open science consortia such as Open Source Malaria (OSM) (see the group’s research page) and is a founder of a broader Open Source Pharma movement. He is a member of the Structural Genomics Consortium and leads the Open Chemistry Networks initiative. With Tim Willson of UNC Chapel Hill he leads the medicinal chemistry core of the open READDI-AViDD antiviral discovery project. In 2011 he was awarded a New South Wales Scientist of the Year award in the Emerging Research category for his work in open science and in 2012 the OSM consortium was awarded one of three Wellcome Trust/Google/PLoS Accelerating Science Awards. For his open source research, Mat was selected for the Medicine Maker’s Power List in 2017 and 2018. He is on the Editorial Boards of PLoS One, ChemistryOpen and Nature Scientific Reports. He has been a sabbatical visitor at Stanford, UCSF, the Broad Institute and Pembroke College, Oxford. He lives in Greenwich, London, with his wife and two children. He is related to Trevor Horn and, apparently, Samuel Crompton.

His lab motto is To make the right molecule in the right place at the right time, and his students are currently trying to work out what this means.

Professor

Michelle

Momany

Professor

Academia

University of Georgia

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Climate change impact on AFR, Monitoring transmission

Momany lab was one of the first groups to characterize early development and cell cycle in A. fumigatus, including establishing the morphological landmarks still in use. Currently my lab focuses on understanding dormancy and germination of A. fumigatus spores and on antifungal-resistant A. fumigatus in the environment. Momany lab was among the first to show that genetically identical mitotic spores (conidia) show phenotypic variation and that the environment of sporulation impacts germination. Momany lab in collaboration with Brewer lab was also among the first to show that pan azole resistant A. fumigatus also carries resistance to multiple fungicides used only in agriculture and that azole-resistant A. fumigatus is widespread in the U.S. https://www.plantbio.uga.edu/directory/people/michelle-momany

Dr. Momany earned her B.A. in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Her Ph.D. was in medical mycology with Paul Szaniszlo at University of Texas at Austin and her postdoc was with John Hamer in fungal genetics at Purdue University. She joined the faculty at the University of Georgia in the Department of Plant Biology and the Fungal Biology Group as an assistant professor and has continued research and teaching there, rising through the ranks to full professor.

Dr. Momany was a founding member of the Aspergillus Genomics Research Policy Committee, chaired the group for 15 years, and continues as a member. She has also served on the Fungal Genetics Policy Committee and the FungiDB Advisory Board. She was Chair of the Gordon Research Conference on Cellular and Molecular Fungal Biology and of the Fungal Genetics Conference at Asilomar. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Mycological Society of America. She has also been named a National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences and a University of Georgia Women’s Leadership Fellow. At UGA, she served as department head for Plant Biology for 6.5 years and as the associate dean for Life Sciences in the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences for 5 years.

Research in the Momany lab focuses on two areas:
1. Basic biology and antifungal resistance in the pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Momany lab was one of the first groups to characterize early development and cell cycle in A. fumigatus, including establishing the morphological landmarks still in use. Currently her lab focuses on understanding dormancy and germination of A. fumigatus spores and on antifungal-resistant A. fumigatus in the environment. Momany lab was among the first to show that genetically identical mitotic spores (conidia) show phenotypic variation and that the environment of sporulation impacts germination. Momany lab in collaboration with Brewer lab was also among the first to show that pan azole resistant A. fumigatus also carries resistance to multiple fungicides used only in agriculture and that azole-resistant A. fumigatus is widespread in the U.S.
2. Polarity and the septin cytoskeleton in the model system Aspergillus nidulans. Dr. Momany cloned the first septin from a filamentous fungus and her lab was the first to trace the evolution of septins from animals and fungi. Momany lab was among the first to show that multiple forms of septins can exist in the same cell and discovered the first noncore septin, the prototype for many septins not found in budding yeast or animals. Currently her lab focuses on evolution and interactions of septins across kingdoms.

Dr.

Marin

Brewer

Professor

Academia

University of Georgia

United States

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Omics

See the Brewer Mycology Lab website: site.caes.uga.edu/mycologylab/

I am the Terrell Distinguished Professor of Mycology and Plant Pathology in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. I received my M.S. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science from the University of Maine and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology from Cornell University in 2011. I am an internationally recognized expert on the evolution and diversity of emerging fungal threats to plants and people. My research focuses on the genetic basis of disease emergence and host specialization, the evolution of antifungal resistance and fungal mating systems, and the taxonomy and systematics of fungi. I gave a plenary talk on agricultural drivers of antifungal resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus for Plant Health 2021. My research has been funded by diverse agencies including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I have won numerous teaching and mentoring awards, including the Weston Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Mycological Society of America (MSA) in 2023. I am currently Vice President of MSA, served as Executive Vice President of the MSA from 2018 to 2021 and am currently an Executive Editor of Mycologia.

PhD

Narda

Medina

Consultant

Asociacion de Salud Integral

Guatemala

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, One Health and Education

Epidemiology and public health interventions for mycoses

https://www.linkedin.com/in/narda-medina-samayoa-43261434/

Nakisa

Sohrabi Haghdoost

Assistant professor

Academia

Islamic Azad University, Tehran Science & Research Branch

Iran

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Anti microbial resistance
Virulence genes
Fungal pathogenesis

My name is Nakisa Sohrabi Haqdoust, and I’m a passionate researcher specializing in mycology. I earned my PhD in Mycology from the University of Tehran and had the honor of serving as an assistant professor and faculty member at Islamic Azad University. My work has focused on challenges like microbial resistance and the identification of probiotic fungi, using tools such as real-time PCR and bioinformatics to push our understanding further.

I was born in London and have British passport. Now living in London, I’m excitedly exploring postdoctoral opportunities invbiology, biotechnology, and immunology. My scientific journey has been filled with enriching experiences that have helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve dedicated my career to research regarding microbial pathogens , and I truly value the chance to learn from and collaborate with others. I believe that working together across disciplines and borders is essential to sparking new ideas and making real progress in science.
Regards,
Nakisa

Doctor

Tonny

Naranjo

Professor

Academia

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

Colombia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Omics, Other spp.

My research has covered areas such as molecular biology, immunology, and the pathogenesis of both endemic and non-endemic fungi of clinical relevance. I focus on host-fungus interactions, identifying therapeutic targets, evaluating new molecules with antifungal potential,
and developing diagnostic tests. Currently, I am awaiting my formal recognition as a Senior Researcher by the Ministry of Science of Colombia.
My CV can be accessed at: https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000739413
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4667-6391
https://cib.org.co/cib-salud-2/micologia-medica-y-experimental/

https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000739413
https://cib.org.co/cib-salud-2/micologia-medica-y-experimental/

Laboratorista clínico

Geomara

Martinez

Microbiología

Universidad de Guayaquil

Ecuador

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Sporothrix

My main interest lies mainly in Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum because I work in an infectious disease hospital where a high percentage of HIV-AIDS patients are treated. My profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/geomara-martinez-freres-380170a5?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

I am a clinical laboratory technician by conviction, with solid experience dating back more than 15 years in the field of clinical microbiology. I adapt to change, I am very responsible and hard-working.

Fraser

Scott

Reader

Academia

University of Strathclyde

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Outreach

https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/scottfraserdr/#publications

Fraser obtained an MSci(Hons) and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Strathclyde in 2009 and 2012, respectively. His doctoral studies spanned computational and synthetic medicinal chemistry, and microbiology, focused on developing Minor Groove Binders as novel anti-infective agents. During this time, Fraser also obtained a BA(Hons) in Mathematics and Statistics, and a BSc(Hons) in Computing with Mathematical Sciences, with the Open University.

Following the completion of his doctorate in 2012, Fraser obtained a PGDE in Chemistry and an MEd in Education studies, whilst embarking on a short career in Secondary School education in Scotland. Fraser then took up a position as an associate lecturer in Mathematics at the Open University, and as an FE lecturer in Chemistry, whilst also completing an MSc in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

In 2016, Fraser took up a position as a Senior Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the University of Lincoln, before moving to the University of Huddersfield as Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology later that year. In 2019, Fraser took up a position as a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Strathclyde and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2021, and Reader in 2024.

Fraser’s research interests lie within the field of anti-infective drug discovery and STEM education.

Within the context of drug discovery, he is principally focused on developing the novel class of anti-infective agent Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs) to contribute to global biosecurity threat preparedness. Consequently, his research interests span drug design, chemical synthesis, nucleic acid-ligand interactions and antimicrobial screening, all within the context of bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral infections. Fraser is also interested in providing medicinal chemistry expertise to any new anti-infective agent.

Fraser has a broad interest in STEM education, heavily informed by his current teaching in HE, and previous experience in Scottish secondary schools as a teacher of chemistry. Current research projects include: the importance of numeracy to STEM education; understanding, and better developing, education of STEM careers in schools and HE; and, enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in science education.

Carmien

Tolmie

Senior Lecturer Biochemistry / PI Antifungal drug development

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Innovative Platforms

I am interested in the development of novel antifungals against targets in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway using structure-based drug discovery techniques.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carmien-Tolmie?ev=hdr_xprf

I am an emerging researcher focusing on developing novel antifungal compounds against underexplored targets in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. My aim is to use X-ray crystallographic fragment screening to develop novel lead compounds.

Can

Zhao

Senior Lecturer

Academia

The Manchester Metropolitan University

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I have a longstanding interest in understanding the mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs, as well as fungal pathogenicity and resistance—an increasingly significant challenge in medical mycology. My research also focuses on leveraging advanced imaging technologies to investigate infection-related fungal biology and drive drug discovery. My PhD work laid the foundation for the discovery of a series of novel antimicrobial compounds, including MFIGAF001, which ultimately contributed to the establishment of InPepCide Ltd, a University of Manchester spinout drug discovery company. More recently, my research has evolved towards understanding the fungal biology underlying a key pathological feature of invasive fungal infections: the penetration and destruction of the host’s protective barriers. I am particularly interested in the factors contributing to fungal pathogenicity in devastating infections of the human eye. My focus lies in identifying the signalling pathways that drive the invasive phase of infection and exploring how they can be targeted for antifungal treatment, shaping the direction of my current research.

I am a senior Lecturer in Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University, with a background in Structural and Molecular Biology (PhD) and Drug Discovery & Translational Biology (MSc) from the University of Edinburgh. My research primarily focuses on fungal pathogens, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, where I work on identifying new therapeutic targets and developing diagnostic tools.
Previously, I held a position as a Lecturer in Infection Biology at the University of Manchester, where I also co-directed the MSc Infection Biology program. I have been fortunate to secure funding for several research projects, including those investigating novel antifungal agents and diagnostics. In addition to my academic work, together with Prof. Mike Bromley I founded InPepCide Ltd, a company dedicated to advancing antifungal therapeutics.

James

Scriven

Clinical Associate Professor

Academia

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom

AFR factors, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics

Clinical academic interested in improving outcomes from cryptococcal meningitis. Particular interest in immunology, host-directed therapy and improved diagnosis and management of raised intracranial pressure. Completed PhD through Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and University of Cape Town. Now based in Birmingham, UK with strong collaborative links with researchers in a variety of other institutions, including Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research project, University of Cape Town, University of Minnesota, Infectious Disease Institute (Uganda), and University of Zimbabwe. Experience with clinical studies and trials.

Gert

Marais

Senior Research Officer

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Diagnostics, Omics, Virulence factors

My main research interest is the development of novel molecular techniques, such as clinical metagenomics, for infectious disease diagnostics and their translation to clinical care, and particularly their supporting medical software development.

I am a clinical microbiologist and hold fellowships from the South African College of Pathologists in Medical Microbiology and Medical Virology. I have a MSc in virology from Imperial College London and from the University of Cape Town (UCT), a MMed in virological pathology and a MMed in microbiological pathology. I also have diplomas in HIV management and anaesthetics and am current completing my PhD in Bioinformatics at UCT. I am currently a Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellow and contributing investigator at CIDRI based at UCT with my work focusing on the development of novel molecular techniques for infectious disease diagnostics and their translation to clinical care.

Jonathan

Phillips

Senior lecturer

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, One Health and Education

Molecular mechanisms, analytical chemistry, protein engineering

https://lsi.exeter.ac.uk/groups/phillips-group/

I am interested in how molecules move, how this underpins important biological functions and ultimately how we can direct those dynamics to create new opportunities for medicine and biosensing.

My background is in protein biophysics – developing physical and chemical methods to gain insight into molecular structure, folding and dynamics. I have experience in studying naturally occurring proteins and also in synthetic biology – designing and building protein switches and self-assembly systems. These dual skillsets were ultimately brought together to study and engineer protein drugs and drug targets.

The research in my lab is focused on three interwoven threads:

Studying the assembly and dynamics of protein systems in nature.
Creating new molecular systems for medicine and biosensing.
Advancing analytical methods to better understand protein dynamics.

Miss

Tooba

Raheem

Senior Research Assistant

Academia

Aga Khan University

Pakistan

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp.

My research primarily focuses on the molecular and microbiological identification of fungal pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Cryptococcus species. I am interested in comparing molecular identification techniques with traditional biochemical methods to improve diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, my work includes antifungal susceptibility testing and the study of other clinically significant fungi, such as Cryptococcus, Candida, Aspergillus, dermatophytes, Mucorales, and dematiaceous molds.

I am a researcher with a strong interest in molecular and microbiological identification of fungal pathogens, particularly Cryptococcus species. My research focuses on comparing molecular identification techniques with biochemical methods to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, I investigate antifungal susceptibility patterns and study other clinically significant fungi, including Aspergillus, dermatophytes, Mucorales, and dematiaceous molds.

Currently, I am involving in research on clinical samples , aiming to improve detection and treatment strategies by performing antifungal susceptibility test for fungal infections. My broader goal is to contribute to the development of more efficient antifungal susceptibility testing protocols that can aid in better patient management.

Dr.

Pizga

Kumwenda

Lecturer

Academia

Mzuzu University

Malawi

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on fungal adaptation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms and surveillance, fungal diagnostics, antimicrobial stewardship and drug discovery.

I am a biomedical scientist with a strong rresearch interest in fungal adaptation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), fungal diagnostics, and antimicrobial stewardship. I hold a PhD in Medical Microbiology from the University of Birmingham, an MRes in Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology from the University of Aberdeen, and an MSc in Infection and Immunity from the University of Leeds. Currently, I serve as a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Mzuzu University in Malawi, where I am actively involved in teaching, research supervision, and curriculum development. My previous research work explored key aspects of fungal pathogenicity, including the role of estrogen in modulating Candida albicans virulence, as well as the development of novel models to study fungal infections and host-pathogen interactions. Having a strong experience in clinical laboratory work, I have developed interest in understanding molecular mechanisms of AMR, AMR surveillance, fungal diagnostics, and antifungal stewardship to optimize treatment strategies, curb resistance, and improve patient outcomes. I am equally eager to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that enhance our understanding on adaptation of fungal pathogens as well as discovery of new antifungal drugs.

Eunice

Anaele

Lecturer/ Research Fellow

University of Nigeria

Nigeria

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research interest is on fungal disease surveillance, fungal resistance and associated factors, research on discovery and development of alternative antifungal therapy, promoting research and awareness on fungal diseases, prevention, control and treatment, and aflatoxin research to promote both human and animal health.
https://staffprofile.unn.edu.ng/profile/4588

Dr (Mrs) Eunice Ngozi Anaele is a Research fellow in the South-East Zonal Biotechnology Centre and a Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she engages in teaching, supervision and mentoring of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She obtained her academic degrees (B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D) through training from the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She received additional training on molecular identification of Candida species in the University of Messina, under the supervision of Professor Romeo Orazio.
She started her research career in the International Center for Ethnomedicine and Drug Development (InterCEDD) in 2003. She is a certified member of the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), the Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria (MMSN), OWSD UNN Chapter, FADIB, ASM and BSAC. Her research interest is on Medical Mycology, food safety, water research, fungal resistance, development of antimicrobials mainly from natural sources, aimed at promotion of SDGs. I have collaborated with many researchers, published peer-reviewed articles and welcome future collaborations.

Peter

Cook

Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellow

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Omics, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development

Our lungs are exposed to thousands of fungal spores everyday, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus (Af), which can trigger asthma and lead to severe outcomes (fungal sensitised severe asthma impacts 10 million people worldwide). Despite the rising number of cases we do not understand the immune mechanisms that underpin the development of fungal sensitization which limits diagnosis and treatment strategies. My group focuses on understanding spore-innate cell interactions in the context of the lung environment to enable us to identify novel mechanism(s) that mediate anti-fungal allergic inflammation. We have previously utilized a mouse model of repeated Af spore exposure and single cell technologies to identify the specific dendritic cells (DCs) subsets which are critical to elicit CD4+ T cell driven anti-fungal allergic inflammation. We have also profiled DC subsets and their activation status in the sputum of fungal asthma patients to confirm these murine results translate to human disease. The spores themselves expose a complex array of mediators upon germination though previously it has been unclear whether this an important step in triggering allergic responses. We have further determined that a precise spore morphotype is essential to trigger DCs to mediate allergic inflammation. Ongoing work is building on these findings to understand the critical fungal and host signals that cause allergic disease, with the aim to develop promising new therapeutic targets.

Dr Peter Cook is a Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter. His group focuses on understanding how the spores of the ubiquitous environmental mould, Aspergillus fumigatus, triggers our immune response to mediate chronic airway allergic diseases such as asthma. Despite the huge clinical burden caused by fungi, the processes that elicit these responses are poorly understood. The broad goal of this work is to translate these mechanistic understandings to improve therapeutic strategies for asthmatic and fungal diseases. Peter completed his PhD at the University of York and undertook his postdoctoral research at University of Edinburgh and University of Manchester discovered novel mechanisms that innate cells utilise to drive type 2 inflammation, a key part of allergic and anti-helminth responses.

Professor

Paul

Denny

Professor of Protozoan Biology

Academia

University of Durham

United Kingdom

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach

https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/p-w-denny/

Protozoan parasites are the causative agents of a wide range of important human and animal diseases, including malaria. Current work in Paul’s laboratory is focused on furthering the understanding of the role of lipid biosynthesis and membrane trafficking in host-pathogen interactions, with a view to elucidating protozoan specific activities amenable to therapeutic intervention. Previous to his appointment in 2004 Paul worked in research posts at Imperial College London and at the Medical Research Council’s National Institute for Medical Research.

1. Protozoan sphingolipid biosynthesis (with Prof Ehmke Pohl and others)

2. Antileishmanial discovery (with Prof Patrick Steel and others)

3. Antileishmanial mode of action deconvolution (with GSK and others)

https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/p-w-denny/
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5051-1613

Protozoan parasites are the causative agents of a wide range of important human and animal diseases, including malaria. Current work in Paul’s laboratory is focused on furthering the understanding of the role of lipid biosynthesis and membrane trafficking in host-pathogen interactions, with a view to elucidating protozoan specific activities amenable to therapeutic intervention. Previous to his appointment in 2004 Paul worked in research posts at Imperial College London and at the Medical Research Council’s National Institute for Medical Research.

1. Protozoan sphingolipid biosynthesis (with Prof Ehmke Pohl and others)

2. Antileishmanial discovery (with Prof Patrick Steel and others)

3. Antileishmanial mode of action deconvolution (with GSK and others)

Professor

William

Horsnell

Co-Director MRC CMM

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Microbial Pathogenesis

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/41580-william-horsnell

Professor Horsnell’s group focuses on two big questions. Firstly, how does immunity against one infection influence control of a different infection? For example, his team is studying how gastrointestinal infections affect the control of sexually transmitted infections, revealing for the first time, that eosinophils regulate viral pathology in the female reproductive tract. This has been successfully translated in field studies in West Africa. He is also undertaking studies addressing how helminth infection induced eosinophils alter host control of the fungal pathogen Pneumocystis.

Secondly, he is interested in the mechanisms that permit mothers to transfer immunity to their children. Ongoing studies are addressing how maternal immunity alters short- and long-term control of infections (including helminths, Candida, Salmonella and Pneumocococus) in offspring via mechanisms including microchimeric regulation of immunity and epithelial development in offspring. His group are translating their pre-clinical discoveries in human studies.

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/41580-william-horsnell

I joined the CMM after 20 successful years of research in immunology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. My research interests center on 1: how our exposure to one type of disease alters our ability to control a different disease and 2: how mothers’ immunity can shape offspring immunity. Much of this work focuses on immunity to range of mucosal infectious (including helminths, bacteria, viruses and fungi) and non-infectious (e.g. allergy) diseases.

At the CMM I will be contributing to the immunology and co-infection research interests of the center. In addition, I contribute to the management of the centers education activities.

Gustavo Henrique

Goldman

Professor

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Omics, Virulence factors

Imunopathogenicity of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. nidulans and hybrids. Identification of compounds that can potentiate caspofungin against A. fumigatus. CYP51-independent mechanisms of azole resistance.

He holds a degree in Biology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (1983), a Master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of São Paulo (1988), a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Gent, Belgium (1993) and a Post-Doctorate in Cell Biology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, USA (1993-1994). He is currently a Full Professor at the University of São Paulo. He is the coordinator of the Thematic Project of FAPESP, of Research Grants and INCT of CNPq, and has coordinated numerous projects funded by national and international agencies. He has experience in Genetics, with emphasis on Molecular and Microorganism Genetics, working mainly on the following topics: (i) identification of compounds that can synergize the activity of caspofungin against human pathogenic fungi; (ii) survival factors during opportunistic infection by Aspergillus fumigatus; (iii) CYP51-independent azole resistance mechanisms; and (iv) regulation of production and self-protection against gliotoxin in Aspergillus fumigatus. He has actively participated as a speaker in several International and National Congresses and Symposia in the area. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Minho, Portugal (since 2009), Nova de Lisboa (since 2019), Portugal and Vanderbilt University (since 2020), USA. He was a former Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation (2007), is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and ambassador of the Technical University of Munich, Germany. He is editor-in-chief of the journal “Frontiers in Fungal Biology” and associate editor of “Fungal Genetics and Biology”, mBio, eLife, PLoS Pathogens and Microbiology Spectrum. He was Coordinator of the Microbiology Area (Health IV) of FAPESP (period 2009-2017). He is involved in sequencing projects supported by the Genoma-FAPESP and Genoma-Nacional networks, in addition to being widely engaged in international projects for sequencing genomes of filamentous fungi, collaborating with JCVI and the Brod Institute-MIT, both in the USA.

Prof

Neil

Gow

Professor – PI

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Outreach, Sporothrix, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Professor Neil Gow lab is within the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on the biology and immunology of human pathogenic fungi and in particular the fungal cell wall as a target for antifungal drugs, diagnostics and of the immune system. His current research investigates the components of the cell wall that lead to immune recognition. This involves understanding the detailed architecture of the cell wall and how this is modified by environmental stress, antifungal drug exposure and predation by immune phagocytes and bacteria. He is also investigating how antifungal drug resistance (AMR) can be mitigated.

Neil Gow is Professor of Microbiology and Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter and works in the MRC Centre for medical Mycology – Europe’s largest bespoke centre for medical mycology research. He was the previous Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Impact at the University of Exeter where he led the research vision and strategy for the university, but he is now engaged full time in research. He trained as an infectious disease microbiologist at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen, and The University of Denver. His research group focuses on the structure and function of fungal cell walls, which are crucial for maintaining cell integrity and influencing how fungi interact with their environment and the immune system, and on antifungal drugs and fungal antimicrobial resistance (fAMR). This work has significant implications for understanding fungal diseases which collectively kill more people each year than malaria, TB, HIV, breast or prostate cancer.
He has served and chaired numerous research funding councils (Wellcome, Royal Society (URF), Academy of Medical Sciences (Springboard); UKRI (epidemic preparedness); DFG -Germany; REF (Research Excellence Framework); FAILSAFE (fungal AMR in LMIC) and has acted as President of five international societies of mycology and microbiology: The British Mycological Society, the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM), The Microbiology Society, the British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM) – and the European Confederation of medical Mycology (ECMM) – for which he is the current president. He is a fellow of the Roral Society (FRS), the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci), the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE), The Royal Society for Biology (FRSB), The American Academy of Microbiology (FAAM) and the ECMM (FECCM). He has served on several Scientific Advisory Boards (e.g. The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich; Pasteur Institute Paris, Westerdijk Institute, Utrecht). He conceived of and established two new scientific journals – Medical Myology Case Reports and The Cell Surface. More than thirty members of his laboratory hold positions as independent investigators in academia and industry.

professor

Taicia

Fill

Associate professor

Academia

Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Brazil

Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

Natural products, virulence factors, pathogen-host interaction

Taicia Fill is currently an Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemistry (IQ) at UNICAMP, and coordinates the Laboratory of Microbial Chemical Biology (LaBioQuiMi), with research funded by FAPESP, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Serrapilheira Institute (grantee 2020 and grantee 2023). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (2006), a Master’s degree (2009) and a PhD (2014) in Organic Chemistry from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) under the supervision of Prof. Edson Rodrigues Filho, with a sandwich period at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Peter Leadlay. In 2020, she was a Visiting Professor at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, where she also developed her postdoctoral studies between 2016-2017 with Prof. Christian Hertweck and in 2023 she became a full professor at IQ/UNICAMP. In 2019, she was the winner in the Chemical Sciences category of the For Women in Science Award granted by LOreal-UNESCO-ABC and in 2022 she was elected an affiliate member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2022-2025). She was elected treasurer of the Brazilian Chemical Society (SBQ) Campinas region (2019-2021) and also Secretary of the SBQ Campinas region (2022-2023). She was secretary of the American Chemical Society (ACS) chapter Brazil (2019-2021). She is currently the coordinator of the SBQ Women’s Nucleus (2024-2026), is also part of the IQ/UNICAMP Women’s Nucleus. In 2024, she joined the Early Career Advisory Board (ECAB) of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (ACS). She is currently deputy head of the Organic Chemistry Department at UNICAMP. He has experience in the area of Natural Products Chemistry, working mainly in Chemical Ecology, host-pathogen interactions, discovery of antimicrobial compounds and biosynthesis of fungal secondary metabolites.

Rebecca

Drummond

Associate Professor

Academia

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom

Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Outreach

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/immunology-immunotherapy/drummond-rebecca

Fungal immunologist researching mechanisms of immunity that protect us from fungal pathogens, such as Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.

Her lab is particularly interested in how organ-specific immune responses develop by studying the behaviour of tissue-resident myeloid cells during infection and the microbial response to the environment within host tissues.

Rebecca completed her BSc in Immunology with Honours at the University of Edinburgh in 2010. She then moved to the University of Aberdeen and joined the Aberdeen Fungal Group, where she earned her PhD in 2014. Rebecca’s doctoral research focused on understanding mechanisms of adaptive antifungal immunity and revealed a novel role for the innate receptor Dectin-1 in the gut (Drummond et al, 2016, Mucosal Immunology), as well as identifying defects in the fungal-specific T-cell response in the kidney (Drummond et al, 2014, JI).

In 2014, Rebecca moved to the USA to work at the National Institutes of Health. Here, she primarily focused on understanding the pathogenesis of human CARD9 deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency disease that predisposes to fungal infection of the brain (Drummond et al, 2015, PLoS Pathogens; Drummond et al, 2019, Nature Immunology).

In 2018, Rebecca was awarded a Birmingham Fellow position to set up her own research group at the University of Birmingham. She was subsequently awarded a Career Development Award from the MRC and a Springboard Award from the Academy of Medical Sciences to establish her research. In 2024, Rebecca become a Lister Institute Fellow. She is currently funded by the MRC, Wellcome Trust and Lister Institute.

In addition to her research, Rebecca is actively involved with public engagement with science and is a regular contributor to The Conversation (https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-a-drummond-1344962) and has been quoted in multiple newspapers and blogs on topics spanning fungal infections, gut microbes and antimicrobial resistance. She is a listed expert with the Science Media Centre and has completed media training.

Toni

Gabaldón

Principal Investigator

Academia

Institute for Research in Biomedicine

Spain

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education

www.cgenomics.org

I am an ICREA Research Professor jointly affiliated to the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC), where I lead the Comparative Genomics group (www.cgenomics.org). My research focuses on understanding underlying genomic bases of organismal adaptations, particularly in microbial organisms.

Dr.

FRANCISCO JOSE

REYNALDI

Researcher

Academia

Universidad Nacional de La Plata

Argentina

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Diagnostics, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp.

– Veterinary and Human Medical Mycology
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francisco-Reynaldi

My name is Francisco José Reynaldi. I work with animal diseases. When I start I focused particularly in fungal and bacterial honeybee diseases and, at the same time started working in Medical Mycology at the School of Veterinary Science, National University of La Plata, ARGENTINA. Nowadays I am Professor of Medical Mycology. Our team are working with three research grants related to equine oculomycosis (UNLP), Environmental fungi of interest in public health: determination of their presence in bird guano and surveillance of resistance (V300 UNLP) and honeybee fungal diseases (PICT 2021 1100).

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francisco-Reynaldi
https://scholar.google.com.ar/citations?user=Ed3kNgEAAAAJ&hl=es
https://cemiba.fcv.unlp.edu.ar/personal/francisco-reynaldi/

Dr.

Jeniel

Nett

Associate Professor

Academia

University of Wisconsin – Madison

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Virulence factors

https://www.medicine.wisc.edu/infectious-disease/nett-research

Prof.

Paulo

Lopes

Professor

Academia

Universidade Estadual Paulista

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use

Lead researcher of the Environmental Impacts Action Group – GAIA (Unesp – Brazil), which carries out studies in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, mainly in the bioremediation and biodegradation of pesticides in agricultural soils

Professor at São Paulo State University, and lead researcher at the Environmental Impact Action Group – GAIA (Unesp – Brazil). He has received awards for the best papers presented at scientific events and presented recent publications in high-impact international journals. He was the founder of the innovation office “Celeiro de Ideias” (Unesp – Brazil), has two patents for technological processes filed with the INPI (Brazil), and has participated as an associate researcher in PIPE-FAPESP projects (Brazil). Biologist and a former member of PRH-05 (MCT/FINEP/ANP/Unesp – Brazil), which allowed an advanced training in Environmental Sciences Applied to the Oil & Gas Sector. Specialist in Environmental Management, Master and PhD in Biological Sciences – Applied Microbiology, and Post-doctorate at the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Porto (U.Porto – Portugal). Web of Science ResearcherID: AAF-2558-2020. Scopus Author ID: 25650367000. ORCID: 0000-0003-4886-5292.

Dr.

Ben

Auxier

Assistant Professor

Academia

Wageningen University

Netherlands

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Monitoring transmission

My main interests are using genetics to understand fungal adaptation. Connecting the genetic variation to the environment that selects for such variation is an ongoing goal of my group. My work is primarily in Aspergillus species, including A. fumigatus, although I have experience working on genetics of many fungal systems.

https://www.wur.nl/en/persons/ben-auxier.htm

https://www.wur.nl/en/persons/ben-auxier.htm

Abdulrazaq

Mustapha

Researcher/Lecturer

Academia

Kwara State University

Nigeria

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Immunotherapies, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Virulence genes associated with Candidaemia. Pathogenomics

I am Abdulrazaq Mustapha a Biomedical Scientist from Nigeria. I am ambitious and driven by passion for advancing knowledge in the field of Infectious diseases and One health. A prospective graduate school applicant. In search of a fully funded PhD scholarship to pursue research in Antifungal resistance, and resistant genes associated with biofilm producing Candida species. I love meeting new people and sharing of ideas. I look forward to learning and collaborating with top notch researcher on this platform.

HARI PANKAJ

VANAM

RESEARCHER MYCOLOGY

Academia

United Arab Emirates University

United Arab Emirates

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Working with industry

Emerging molds in human infections ( also One health perspective), mycoses in companion animals, Dermatophytosis, NDM in cutaneous mycoses, Antifungal susceptibility testing, Mutational anlyses of drug resistance patterns, Genomics and phylogenetic studies.
Sharing my LinkedIn profile!

linkedin.com/in/hari-pankaj-vanam-ph-d-med-microbiol-mycology-2091a13a

Dr. HARI PANKAJ VANAM Ph. D, PRESENT |RESEARCHER IN MEDICAL MYCOLOGY| Mycology Reference Laboratory 3E155-College of Medicine and Health Sciences| United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al-AIN, Abu Dhabi, UAE, CLINICAL SCIENTIST-MOH, DHA, BLS, GOLDEN VISA HOLDER
https://trueprofile.io/true-profile/20dac9612a2d8220e5b33b692249f2b
https://escm.ae/about/ Committee Member ESCM, UAE
FORMER: ASSOC. PROFESSOR AND SENIOR LABORATORY SCIENTIST
BHASKAR MEDICAL COLLEGE & GENERAL HOSPITAL, HYDERABAD, INDIA

linkedin.com/in/hari-pankaj-vanam-ph-d-med-microbiol-mycology-2091a13a

“To gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies and explore advances in Clinical Microbiology and research in infectious diseases, Medical Mycology, and Molecular diagnostics. To associate me in an organization/medical facility, where I can find ample scope for learning and growth in a competitive environment, which in turn utilize my capabilities in yielding some result-oriented, pragmatic work. To hone my laboratory and teaching skills towards excellence by practicing Competency-based medical education, clinical, and integrated approach which overall contribute to the organizational goals and individual development.”

Assoc Prof

Vindana

Chibabhai

Medical Microbiologist

Academia

University of Witwatersrand

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement, Sporothrix

Surveillance for fungal infections in South Africa, including healthcare associated fungal infections and antifungal resistance.
Link to Centre webpage – https://www.nicd.ac.za/centres/centre-for-healthcare-associated-infections-antimicrobial-resistance-and-mycoses/

Vindana Chibabhai is a clinical microbiologist, head of Centre of healthcare associated infection, antimicrobial resistance and mycology (CHARM) at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and an Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Her passion lies in the critical areas of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and fungal infections and she has several peer- reviewed publications related to AMR, AMS and healthcare-associated infections.
Vindana is involved in numerous activities with the professional and academic community. Her multifaceted engagement in healthcare is further highlighted by her role as the producer and host of the medical podcast “Microbe Mail,” through which she interviews experts in the field of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Prof dr

Valentina

Arsic Arsenijevic

Profesor

Academia

University of Belgrade

Serbia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Virulence factors

During my 35 years carrier I have been trying to improve microbiology in my country and to strengthen collaboration especially with microbiologist from the Western Balkan Region. For the last thirty years my special focus is medical mycology. I founded the National Reference Lab in my country (2008), as well as Serbian Society of medical Mycology. Over the past years the SSMM advanced significantly in the field of medical mycology through the constant collaboration and education at national, regional and global level. Working within a network of mycologist advanced our knowledge, research and education. It all resulted in better laboratory practice in my country and better care to our patients in spite of limited medical resources. The SSMM was local organizer of Trends in Medical Mycology 2017 (Belgrade, Serbia) the most prestigious meeting which attracted almost 1000 participants from all over the world. Currently, I am Fellow of ECMM involving in several ECMM Guidelines and in establishing Excellence Center for Medical Mycology in Serbia.
Link to the team member list and current project research – https://fcf.org.rs/

Curriculum vitae: Valentina Arsić Arsenijević, March 2024
Academic title: Full Professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine (UBFM)
Contact details: University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology
Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Phone: +381 11 36432420
Mob: +381 63 327564
e-mail: valentina.arsic-arsenijevic@med.bg.ac.rs

Research field and areas:
Clinic and diagnostic microbiology: respiratory infections, microbial genetic, microbial drug-resistance, phylogenetic analysis in microbiology, fungal pathogens, fungal-host interaction, laboratory data processing and modeling.

ORCID https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-8132-3300
Total number of publications in extenso: 115 (80 in JCR journals)
Total impact factor of publications: 796,935
Scopus: sum of the time cited 15.683 (all), H index 23 (all) 25 with self-citations
Link for RG page https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Valentina_Arsic_Arsenijevic2/info
Education:
2009 – Postdoctoral study in Medical Mycology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University (supervisor Cornella Lass Florl)
2008 – Specialist in Medical Mycology School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2007 – Postdoctoral study in Medical Mycology, University of Stockholm, Karolinska (supervisor L Klingspor)
2005-2006 – Postdoctoral study in Immunology and Mycology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (supervisor A Ihan)
1996 – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) “The effector and regulatory mechanism in rats infected with the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans”, at the UBMF IMI, Belgrade, Serbia (supervisor Marija Mostarica Stojkovic)
1994 – Specialist in Microbiology and Parasitology, at the UBMF, Belgrade, Serbia
1992 – MSc in Immunology and Mycology at the UBMF, Belgrade, Serbia
1982-1988 – Medical School at the UBMF, Belgrade, Serbia
Employment:
2011-present – University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine – Full Professor, Microbiology
2004-2010 – University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine – Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Immunology
1989-2004 – University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine – Teaching Assistant, Microbiology, Immunology
Participant in recent scientific projects:
2022-2024 – Prediction, prevention and patient’s participation in diagnosis of selected fungal infections
(FI): an implementation of novel method for obtaining tissue specimens. Science Fond Republic of
Serbia, IDEJA program (PI)
2011-2020 – The importance of early detection of Laboratory biomarkers for the outcome of invasive fungal infections in our country. Ministry of Science Republic of Serbia (OI 175 034) (PI)
Other achievements:
2004-present – Reviewer in 49 JCR journals
2010-present – Manager, National reference laboratory medical mycology
Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, UBFM
2009 – 2023 – 9 consecutive conferences on Diagnosis and therapy of fungal diseases (Organizer, President)
2017 – 5th FEMS Diagnosis and therapy of fungal diseases (Organizer, President)
2015 – 25th ECCMID (Chair member)
2015 – 7th Trends in Medical Mycology (Member of International Scientific Committee)
2015 – 6th Trends in Medical Mycology (Chair member)

Knowledge and skills related to the project proposal: knowledge in clinical, diagnostic and experimental microbiology, skills for global burden of diseases (GBD) analysis at local, regional and global levels, comprehensive analysis of respiratory infection, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data collecting, analyzing and modeling.

Dr (PhD)

Herve

Volland

Researcher

Academia

CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission)

France

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Lateral Flow test, Sporothrix

In my laboratory we are developing rapid tests using monoclonal antibodies ELISA or Lateral Flow Immunoassy) for the detection of antibiotic resistance or the identification of pathogens.

Hervé Volland, PhD, worked for 7 years in a CEA start-up. Since 2001, he has been working at the CEA in the field of immunoassays.
After 6 years as laboratory director, he is now working on the development and optimisation of rapid tests for detection and/or diagnosis in the field of antibiotic resistance and pathogen detection.
He is the author or co-author of 85 scientific articles and 8 patents.
Coordinator of two European projects (BL-DetecTool and AMR DetecTool). https://amrdetect.eu/ https://amrexpert.eu/overview/

PhD

Laura

Chiapello

Professor- Principal Investigator

Academia

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Argentina

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

Gut microbiota composition and antimicrobial resistance genes in HIV-positive patient cohorts
Host-Pathogen interactions in dermatophytoses
Fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
https://cibici.conicet.gov.ar/inmunologia-laboratorio-de-parasitologia-y-micologia-experimental/

I am a Professor of Human Mycology and Parasitology at the Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba (UNC), and an Independent Researcher at the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) of Argentina.
I currently lead the Experimental Mycology Laboratory at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry (FCQ, UNC) and the Center for Research in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (CIBICI-CONICET).
My research group focuses on molecular diagnostics and epidemiology studies of fungal and parasitic infections to improve the management of immunosuppressed patients at Rawson Hospital in Córdoba, the main public hospital for infectious diseases in central Argentina. Recently, we have started researching mycobiota composition and intestinal dysbiosis associated with HIV infection. We also work with patient cohorts from pediatric hospitals, including Hospital Pediátrico del Niño Jesús in Córdoba and Hospital Dr. Juan P. Garrahan in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Additionally, we study fundamental mechanisms of the skin immunity against dermatophytes.
I have supervised two completed doctoral theses and am currently supervising two doctoral theses, one postdoctoral researcher, and one undergraduate student.
My projects include collaborations with both Argentine and international scientists, such as Dr. Immo Prinz (Institute of Systems Immunology, Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany), Dr. Michail Lionakis (NIAID-NIH, USA), Dr. Mónica Santín-Duran (USDA, USA), and Dr. María Anette Lallo (Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil).
The following are my most recent scientific publications:
-Effect of DNA extraction method in gut fungal community assessment. Portela ND, Mena C, Martín MG, Burstein VL, Chiapello LS, Pesoa SA.. Rev Argent Microbiol. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.ram.2024.12.005.
– Involvement of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 effects on in vitro differentiation of murine regulatory-T and Th17 cells. Mary VS, Vélez PA, Quiroz S, Beccacece I, Otaiza-González SN, Chiapello LS, Rubinstein HR, Theumer MG.Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-34421-4.
– Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Child, Argentina. Mena CJ, Garófalo MP, Perazzo J, Epelbaum C, Castro G, Sicilia P, Barnes A, Guasconi L, Burstein VL, Beccacece I, Almeida MA, Cervi L, Santin M, Chiapello LS. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Mar;30(3):613-616. doi: 10.3201/eid3003.231580
– Cutaneous Innate Lymphoid Populations Drive IL-17A-Mediated Immunity in Nannizzia gypsea Dermatophytosis. Beccacece I, Burstein VL, Almeida MA, Gareca JC, Guasconi L, Mena CJ, Mary VS, Theumer MG, Cervi L, Prinz I, Gruppi A, Lionakis MS, Chiapello LS. J Invest Dermatol. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.11.011.
-COVID-19 patients display changes in lymphocyte subsets with a higher frequency of dysfunctional CD8lo T cells associated with disease severity. Onofrio LI, Marin C, Dutto J, Brugo MB, Baigorri RE, Bossio SN, Quiróz JN, Almada L, Ruiz Moreno F, Olivera C, Silvera-Ruiz SM, Ponce NE, Icely PA, Amezcua Vesely MC, Fozzatti L, Rodríguez-Galán MC, Stempin CC, Cervi L; ImmunoCovid-CBA; Maletto BA, Acosta Rodríguez EV, Bertone M, Abiega CD, Escudero D, Kahn A, Caeiro JP, Maccioni M, Motrán CC, Gruppi A, Sotomayor CE, Chiapello LS*, Montes CL*. Iqual contribution. Front Immunol. 2023 Sep 21;14:1223730. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1223730

.

M.D

Jaime

Acosta España

Professor

Academia

Universidad Internacional SEK del Ecuador

Ecuador

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My main research interests include medical mycology, antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and bioinformatics for public health. I focus on emerging fungal pathogens such as Candida auris, as well as metagenomic and molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases. Additionally, I work on antimicrobial stewardship programs and the application of next-generation sequencing for pathogen surveillance.

I am currently involved in multiple research projects, including a scoping review on hormone replacement therapy protocols for transgender individuals in Latin America, a systematic review on Candida auris invasive infections, and fungal infections in Ecuador

For more information on my research and publications, you can visit https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5299-2732

Dr. Jaime David Acosta España is a physician and medical microbiologist specializing in clinical mycology, antimicrobial resistance, and infectious diseases. He has extensive expertise in bioinformatics for public health, particularly in next-generation sequencing applications. Dr. Acosta España has been recognized as the only young Latin American fellow in medical mycology by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology and was awarded Best Young Researcher at the Trends in Medical Mycology congress in Athens, Greece.

He is a faculty member at the Universidad Internacional SEK del Ecuador and Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, where he teaches medical microbiology and infectious diseases. His research focuses on Candida auris, emerging fungal pathogens, metagenomic and molecular diagnostics, and antimicrobial stewardship. He is also an active member and co-founder of the Ecuadorian Society of Medical Microbiology and Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Acosta España has published multiple high-impact scientific articles in medical mycology, clinical microbiology, and infectious diseases. His work integrates molecular epidemiology, laboratory standards, and public health approaches to fungal infections, contributing to the advancement of medical mycology in Latin America and beyond.

Pamela

Thomson

Investigation

Academia

Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello

Chile

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Sporothrix

We work with Sporothrix brasiliensis.
-WGS
-Antifungal test

https://veterinaria.unab.cl/4884-2/

Dr. Thomson graduated as a Veterinary Doctor in 2002 and began her specialization in Microbiology and Mycology by completing a Master’s degree at the University of Chile, then she moved to Spain to continue with a Doctorate in Biomedicine at the Rovira i Virgili University.

She extended her research activities by undertaking a post doctorate at the Catholic University of Chile, focusing her work on the human gut microbiome. She perfected this knowledge with an internship in Valencia at the Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research (FISABIO).

Since 2020, she joined the Universidad Andrés Bello, where she participates as a teacher in undergraduate courses such as Aggression and Organic Defense, Zoonosis and Title Seminar. She coordinates courses on Clinical Microbiology, Food Safety and One Health Impact in Veterinary Medicine. She participates as a postgraduate teacher, forming part of the academic body of the Conservation Medicine Doctorate.

Additionally, she founded and is the present director of the the Clinical Microbiology and Microbiome laboratory, located at the “Avda Lo Pinto, Chicureo Colina” headquarters, where teaching, research and microbiological diagnosis activities are carried out, working directly with the veterinary clinical hospital.

She is a member of the Microbiology Society of Chile, a member of the International Microbiota Society. She is editor of Frontiers Veterinary Science, in the Animal Nutrition and Metabolism section and Editor of Frontiers in Microbiology, in the Microorganisms in Vertebrate Digestive Systems section, among others.

She recently started to collaborate with the Sporotrichosis group of the Mycotic Diseases Branch Teams of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) USA.

Dr.

Nusrat Jahan

Shaly

Research Investigator

icddr,b

Bangladesh

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient engagement

I, Dr. Nusrat Jahan Shaly currently working as a Research Investigator in the icddr,b. I am a medical graduate and completed my MBBS in 2007. I have been working at icddr,b for more than 10 years. Besides patient management, I have been a part of several research projects at icddr,b. , I have participated in research activities. My first research was on the prevalence of systemic fungal infections in under-five diarrheal children. I was one of the investigators and functional PI of that study. I completed the project and published the study findings in an international journal. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, besides COVID-19-positive patient management, I was associated with research. Presently, I am involved in two research projects. Strengthening Invasive Fungal Disease Surveillance Capacity in Bangladesh through a hospital-based surveillance system funded by the US CDC is one of the projects. I am a Co-investigator of this project. I was taking part in the funding application, protocol development, and training of the study physicians and field workers of this study. Moreover, I am a facilitator in the workshop sessions conducted in the surveillance hospitals for the prevention and control of invasive fungal infections. I am also involved in another research, a clinical trial named, RCT of dopamine, adrenaline, and blood transfusion for treatment of fluid refractory shock in children with severe acute malnutrition and cholera or other dehydrating diarrheas funded by Wellcome Trust. My area of research interest is infectious disease, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I have a keen interest in learning more about infectious diseases, and AMR. I hope to contribute to combating AMR, and healthcare-associated infections through my knowledge and work.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nusrat-Shaly

Rafael

Bastos

Professor

Academia

Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte

Brazil

https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Rafael-Wesley-Bastos-2300685964

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Viçosa (Brazil), with a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Microbiology) from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), including a period at the Pasteur Institute in Paris (France). Completed postdoctoral fellowships in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) and at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo (Brazil), where he also worked as a professor in the Immunology module. Currently, he is a professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil) and works on topics related to: New Antimicrobials, Antifungal Resistance, Cryptococcosis, Invasive Aspergillosis, Candida auris, and Bacteria-Fungus-Host Interaction.

Eduardo

Arathoon

Director R&D

Asociacion de Salud Integral

Guatemala

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Working with industry

Advanced HIV disease and opportunistic fungal infections
Histoplasmosis
Cryptococcosis
Coccidioidomycosis
Histoplasmosis – tuberculosis co-infections
Fungal diagnostic methods
AI in the diagnosis of fungal infections
Fungal diagnostic networks for epidemiological purposes

Start and end yearDuration (months) Title or activity Institution/Entity/Supervisor Work title
1970-76 66 School of Medicine Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala Médico y Cirujano
1976-1979 66 Internal Medicine Trainning Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala Médico Internista
1981-1984 42 Internal Medicine Trainning Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala Internal Medicine
1984-1987 36 Infectious Diseases Stanford University, School of Medicine, California, USA Infectious Diseases Fellow

!979-1979 4 Course British Medical Practice, Course Internal Medicina
Post Graduate Medical Institute, University of Exeter, GB
University of London, Hammersmith Hospital Course British Medical Practice

1. In 2008 travelled to The USA toa ask the Chief of the Mycotic Diseases Branch of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, to help us obtain a urine antigen to diagnose histoplasmosis. The assay was used together with CDC and the team from Associación de saud Integral. It was the first time such a test was used outside the United States. After the detection of many local cases, it was exported to Colombia, then to Argentina, Brazil , and now the commercial equivalent of the test has detected

many cases in Africa and Asia, finding multiple countries where this disease was not known to exist.

2. Together with the LFA test for Cryptococcosis, it was the bases of the screening algorithm used for the rapid initiation of antiretroviral in HIV patients, in many countries with limited resources, where people debut with advanced HIV and opportunistic fungal infections in Latin America.

3. Due to the screening algorithm and it implementation, WHO and PAHO I was to write the Cryptoccus and Hisplasmosis guidelines, for the diagnosis and treatment of those two diseases.

For more information please refer to ORCID ID: 0000-0002-6225-7413

Professor

Paulo

do Carmo

Assistant Professor

Academia

Universidade Estadual Paulista

Brazil

Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Other spp., Virulence factors

http://lattes.cnpq.br/1121883178321226

Graduated in Biological Sciences with a master’s and doctorate in Microbiology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Microbiology and Immunology at the Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (ICT/Unesp), São José dos Campos campus. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu campus. Works on topics related to antifungal resistance, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of antifungal therapeutic strategies based on natural compounds, nanoparticles, and drug repositioning.

Prof.

Haroldo

Oliveira

Assistant professor

Academia

Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp)

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Other spp.

My main research interests focus on the urgent need for new antifungal alternatives. Fungal infections cause over 3 million deaths annually, highlighting critical challenges in treatment, such as the limited antifungal arsenal, high toxicity, elevated costs, and increasing resistance. My research aims to identify and characterize novel antifungal compounds by screening libraries from diverse sources and assessing their activity through in vitro and in vivo approaches. Using cellular and molecular biology techniques, I investigate their mechanisms of action and potential targets for antifungal development. My primary model is Cryptococcus spp., a WHO-priority fungal pathogen, with research also extending to other priority pathogens, including Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, as well as Sporothrix spp., the causative agents of sporotrichosis—an emerging public health concern in Brazil.

Links: ORCID – https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5760-4209; ResearchID: G-1769-2012; Lattes – http://lattes.cnpq.br/2857699268795243

I hold a Bachelor’s and Teaching degree in Biological Sciences from Centro Universitário de Araraquara (2006) and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Biosciences and Biotechnology Applied to Pharmacy from Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil. During my doctoral studies, I conducted a research internship at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA, where I focused on host-pathogen interactions. My postdoctoral training included research at the Proteomics Research Center of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCFAr-UNESP), where I investigated host-parasite interactions, and at the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid, Spain, where I expanded my studies on host-fungal interactions and the development of therapeutic alternatives for fungal diseases. Additionally, I worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) at the Carlos Chagas Institute in Paraná, Brazil, with a research focus on antifungal alternatives, supported by a fellowship from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Currently, I am an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), where my research is dedicated to exploring novel antifungal strategies, integrating in vitro and in vivo approaches to better understand mechanisms of action and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Links: ORCID – https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5760-4209; ResearchID: G-1769-2012; Lattes – http://lattes.cnpq.br/2857699268795243

PhD

Maíra

Garcia

Research professor

Academia

Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp)

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Outreach

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1193-2909

Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation, Microcosm, Streptococcus mutans

Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology in the Dentistry program at the Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), UNESP – São José dos Campos, Brazil. Postdoctoral researcher in Microbiology and Immunology through the Applied Sciences to Oral Health (CASB) program at ICT/UNESP – São José dos Campos (2022-2023). Since 2016, she has been the student coordinator of the Invertebrate Laboratory in the Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis at ICT/UNESP. She has experience in the fields of Microbiology and Immunology, focusing primarily on the following topics: biofilms, microcosm biofilms, photodynamic therapy, biomaterials, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, and in vivo infection models in vertebrates and invertebrates.

Prof.

Emmanuel

Orta-Zavalza

Full time Professor

Academia

Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez

Mexico

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My research focuses on fungal pathogenesis, particularly the adaptation mechanisms of Candida species in hostile environments, with an emphasis on antifungal resistance, immune evasion, and host-pathogen interactions. I have contributed to understanding oxidative stress response pathways in Candida glabrata, providing insights into resistance mechanisms and potential antifungal targets. My work also explores species-specific immune evasion strategies, particularly in macrophage interactions.

I am committed to One Health perspectives, investigating the environmental impact of pharmaceutical waste and antimicrobial resistance. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining transcriptomics, immunology, and molecular biology, I aim to develop innovative strategies to counteract antifungal resistance and improve fungal infection management, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). I actively engage in research capacity-building, policy advocacy, and international collaborations to enhance fungal disease research and mitigation strategies.

Institutional Profile: https://www.uacj.mx/perfil.html?/emmanuel.orta
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JqfrvJwAAAAJ&hl=es

Dr. Emmanuel Orta Zavalza is a molecular biologist and full professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ), where he has established an innovative research program on fungal pathogenesis, antifungal resistance, and host-pathogen interactions. His work has contributed to understanding the oxidative stress response, fluconazole resistance and immune evasion mechanisms in Candida species, particularly in macrophage interactions.
He is actively involved in One Health approaches, investigating the environmental impact of antifungal resistance and pharmaceutical waste, aiming to bridge laboratory research with public health initiatives. His research integrates transcriptomics, immunology, and molecular biology to develop novel antifungal strategies.
Dr. Orta is part of the molecular immunology group at UACJ and has played a key role in establishing the Laboratory of Myeloid and Fungal Cells. Beyond research, he is a dedicated mentor and reviewer for high-impact journals, including Mycologia and Journal of Medical Mycology. He also collaborates with policymakers to promote responsible pharmaceutical disposal and antimicrobial stewardship in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
ORCID: [0000-0001-5452-6049]

Hervé

BOUTAL

Research engineer

Academia

CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission)

France

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics, Lateral Flow test, Sporothrix

I develop conventional diagnostic assays, such as ELISA, and rapid tests, including lateral flow assays (LFA), for detecting infectious diseases. Currently, my focus is on bacteria associated with bacteremia, Yersinia pestis, and Sporothrix species.

Reseacher in development of diagnostic assays in the field of infectious diseases. I received his PhD in 2017, his work focused on developping rapid diagnostic tests to detect antibiotic resistance bacteria. These tests aim to provide clinicians with quick information to refine diagnoses and treatments. Now, my contributions extend to the development of diagnostic tools for various applications, including biodefense. My work at CEA plays a role in advancing rapid diagnostic methods, enhancing both clinical practices and public safety measures.

Evita

Fernandez

Chairperson

Academia

Fernandez Hospital Educational and Research Foundation

India

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Outreach, Patient engagement, Working with industry

The Fernandez Hospital Educational and Research Foundation, established in 1999, provides educational opportunities for the underprivileged, focusing on Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Neonatology, Midwifery, and related fields. With a mission to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity and to improve patient care, the Foundation educates doctors, nurses, technicians, and students. The Foundation engages in collaborative research with several universities and national and global partners.
https://fhfoundation.co.in/

https://fernandez.foundation/board/dr-evita-fernandez/

Asma

Akter

Research Associate

Academia

King’s College London, University of London

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics

My current research is to develop infection diagnostics based on total-body positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computerised tomography (CT) scan that could locate and detect microbial pathogens. The lack of image-based infection diagnostics is an unmet clinical need, particularly for immunocompromised patients such as cancer or transplant patients. I explore natural and synthetic molecules and radiolabelled with gallium-68 (radioisotope) to target microbial pathogens. One such molecule is microbial siderophore, which transports the essential transition metal iron(III) (Fe3+) into microbial cells from the surrounding environment and can be designed as bacterial- and fungal-specific radiotracers. Since joining King’s in 2019, I have led two successful projects and developed a bacteria-specific diagnostic radiotracer through in vitro screening (and healthy animal studies).

Starting in June 2024, I am undertaking a new challenge to evaluate novel radiotracers (siderophore-based) for in vivo imaging of invasive fungal infections. This project is funded by IAA MRC and I am co-leading it in collaboration with clinicians from King’s College Hospital and scientists from UKSHA. The goal of this study is to develop tracers with enhanced specificity for fungal pathogens including Candida auris, C. albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. These tracers may be capable of differentiating between species, providing information on the location and spread of the infection, and reflecting the underlying biology of iron deficiency. I am employing an alternative in vivo insect infection model for the early preclinical evaluation of these radiotracers.

In parallel, I am evaluating metal compounds in collaboration for new antimicrobial discovery.

https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/asma.akter

Dr Asma Akter is a Research Associate in infection imaging at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science at King’s College London (KCL). Before joining KCL, she was a postdoctoral research assistant at Imperial College London. She graduated with a BSc in Microbiology (2008, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh), an MS in Microbiology (2010, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh), an MSc in Biotechnology (2013, Abertay University, UK) and a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology (2018, University of Leeds, UK). Her research interests include infection diagnostics, antimicrobial discovery and resistance, biotechnology and bioinformatics. At KCL, she was instrumental in setting up a microbiology (and tissue culture) facility in the FWB radiation lab, enabling for the first time at King’s full capabilities to work with pathogens and radioisotopes simultaneously. Here, AA led the research work funded by KHP/MRC, Pfizer Inc., and the Royal Society to develop infection-specific radiotracers.

Stephen

Parent

Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer

Commercial Organisation

Kathera Bioscience Inc

United States

AI/new tools, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Working with industry

Kathera Bioscience is developing new broad-spectrum antifungal drugs to treat life-threatening fungal infections.

www.katherabio.com

I’m a founder of Kathera Bioscience and a pharma and biotech professional with more than 30 years of industry experience. KatheraBio’s mission is to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections. Our company’s name is derived from the Greek word “kathairó” meaning to cleanse. Kathera has successfully raised non-dilutive funding with a total value of up to $4.6 Million from the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease (NIAID) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Commission on Science and Technology (CSIT) to support its R&D programs.

I’ve held Business Development and Alliance Management roles in Biotech companies Contract Research Organizations. My business development experience includes Sales, Licensing, Alliance Management and Contract Negotiation.

I’ve also worked as an independent consultant through SP Pharma Consulting LLC, providing strategic advice to biotech companies in new technology development and evaluation, technology due diligence and antifungal drug R&D.

At Merck & Co., I worked in drug discovery and preclinical development programs in therapeutic areas including infectious disease/antifungals, immunology and inflammation and sepsis. My group investigated the antifungal properties of the immunosuppressant FK-506 and played important roles identifying and characterizing FKS genes in budding yeast. Yeast Fks proteins are subunits of fungal beta-1,3-glucan synthase (GS), and targets of the first-in-class echinocandin drug CANCIDAS®. My lab also identified and characterized a murine gene encoding a C-type lectin expressed in subsets of immune sentinel dendritic cells. C-type lectins play important roles in pathogen pattern recognition, and regulation of host responses to bacteria, fungi and viruses.

PHILIPPE

HERVE

CEO

Industry

Green Impulse

France

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Other spp.

Green Impulse, a startup company based in France, is fully committed to the agro-ecological transition of agriculture and crop protection.
By rethinking pathogen control inspired by nature, Green Impulse is currently developing Sensitines® based on a novel mode of action that weakens pathogens and can mitigate emerging resistance while boosting efficacy of antifungals. This approach offers a sustainable approach to crop protection and can be used in combination with both biosolutions or conventionnal fungicides. Sensitines® can also make pathogens more susceptible to plant’s natural defenses. Overall, Sensitines can contribute to OneHealth strategy to safeguard food production and health.

Philippe M Hervé is a results-driven expert with more than 30 years of international experience in the agricultural industry, developing and executing innovation strategies. Philippe is passionate about improving agrifood systems and health and had management roles to help various teams to think and work collaboratively.
Prior to joining Green Impulse as President & Chief Executive Officer, he worked in other Agtech startups and was Global Head of Alliance Management at Bayer Cropscience. He strongly believes in the power of agriculture to bring solutions for more sustainability.

Doctor

NGOUANA KAMMALAC

Thierry

CEO

Commercial Organisation

University of Yaoundé I

Cameroon

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test

my research area includes molecular epidemiology of fungal pathogens, antifungal resistance surveillance, search for novel antifungal drug candidates from diverse sources

i hold my PhD in 2014 at the university of Montpellier in medical mycology and in Cameroon in phytobiochemistry. in 2016, i created a clinical laboratory (laboratoire Sion; www.laboratoiresion.org) were i am the CEO till date. i have expertise in team managements, administration of organisations. i tough in manay medical schools in cameroon, supervise many masters and PhD students. my research area include microbiology in general, with a particular interest on fungi and betalactamas-producing gram negative bacteria. i have more than 25 papers published in peer reviewer journals.

PhD

Tania

Dottorini

Professor of Bioinformatics

Academia

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education

My current research interests are in understanding the mechanisms of insurgence and propagation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To this purpose, in my research, I adopt a holistic One Health approach based on collecting heterogeneous data from complex, interconnected anthropogenic environments, via multi-sensing, omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.), clinical records, population and environmental data and metadata. Within my research group, I oversee the development of big data and cloud-powered analysis solutions based on bioinformatics and AI to combine such heterogeneous information and data mine novel correlations. My goal is to identify drivers and mechanisms underlying the insurgence and spread of new genetic variants of resistant pathogens and novel AMR traits.

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/people/tania.dottorini

Fiona

Rudkin

CEO

Industry

mycoBiologics Ltd

United Kingdom

Candida, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies

www.mycobiologics.com

Dr Rudkin has a strong background in antibody discovery and preclinical development, with a proven track record in advancing innovative treatments from early-stage discovery to preclinical proof-of-concept. Dr Rudkin’s career spans academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
She has held roles as a Principal Investigator at the University of Aberdeen, an Independent Biotech Advisor in Paris, and a Research Scientist within Pfizer’s Global Biotherapeutic Technologies Division.
She earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with Pfizer Inc.
Dr Rudkin is currently co-founder and CEO of mycoBiologics Ltd – new biotech company developing patient-derived antibody therapy for the treatment of invasive Candida infection in critically ill patients.
Her research focuses on the discovery and preclinical development of novel biologics for the treatment of life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections.

Ian

Smith

Head of Laboratory & Clinical Trials

Commercial Organisation

Serox Ltd

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test

Raman spectroscopy (named after physicist C. V. Raman) is a spectroscopic technique typically used to determine vibrational modes of molecules. The techniques is commonly used in chemistry to provide a structural fingerprint by which molecules can be identified and is technique routinely used in advanced laboratories in academia, environmental testing and pharmaceutical development.
The opportunity to deploy Raman spectroscopy beyond traditional settings is about to be transformed: The size of the spectrometers required has reduced to <10% of what they were 10years ago. The price/performance of Raman spectrometers has also been transformed. In addition, more sophisticated methods of data analysis allow for the extraction of greater insight from the output of these spectrometers, and allow this quickly (within 3 minutes).
Importantly, the reliability, has similarly improved and this creates the opportunity to develop a low-cost diagnostic application that could be placed in a central laboratory, clinic, and even at Point-of-Care (‘PoC’) at Primary Care level (Clinic, GP, Pharmacy), to address routine clinical questions and provide near instantaneous answers. With this comes the possibility to accelerate diagnostic workflows.
Comparative studies between Raman spectroscopy and some of the currently available methods indicated its utility as a reliable diagnostic tool for fungal infection.
Our aim is to devise a diagnostic aid which fulfils certain criteria such as a short test turnaround time (TAT) and reliable; offering an affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid, and robust point of care test.

https://serox.ai/

With over 30 years’ knowledge working within NHS Clinical Biochemistry laboratories and leading the implementation of screening and point-of-care testing services in Oxfordshire, England.

Ian was previously based at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, managing laboratory services across antenatal and new-born screening; mass spectrometry, and Point of Care Testing (POCT).

At a national level he was (until joining Serox) a Public Health England Peer Assessor for NHS Screening Programmes and a Laboratory Advisor for the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (NHS Screening Programmes).

Ian remains a United Kingdom Accreditation Service technical assessor and a member of the Institute of Biomedical Science Point of Care Specialist Advisory Panel.

For over 10 years Ian led on POCT for the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and worked with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to develop community POCT services.

Since December 2022 Ian has been working with Serox, leading on the development of the laboratory and biobank to facilitate delivery of clinical studies and trials, as well as leading on clinical liaison and maintaining the voice of the customer.

Professor

Judith

Berman

Professor

Tel Aviv University, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Campus

Israel

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Combination therapies

www.jbermanlab.com

Our studies focus on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, two major fungal pathogens that cause superficial as well as invasive infections, which cause more than 400,000 deaths per year. We work to understand drug response mechanisms caused by genetic mutations, genomic copy number changes as well as other processes, some of which affect genetically identical cells differently.

We take an interdisciplinary approach using genetics, genomics and cell biology, combined with chemistry, bioinformatics, and computational biology. We are working to elucidate processes such as morphogenesis, chromosome stability, chromatin-mediated silencing, gene essentiality, as well as drug resistance. Our most recent studies address the role of drug tolerance, the ability of some cells to grow slowly in the presence of a drug that inhibits other cells in the same population. We are interested in how drug responses differ between cells in a single population, and how adaptive responses differ due to natural genetic variation between yeast isolates.

Judith Berman studies yeast genetics, genomics and cell biology in pathogenic fungi with a focus on Candida albicans and other pathogenic yeasts. As a faculty member at the University of Minnesota, she rose through the ranks to Distinguished McKnight University Professor. In 2012, she joined Tel Aviv University, as Professor of Microbiology and Genetics, the Nathan Galston Chair of Antimicrobial Drug Research, and Director of the Center for Genome Stability and Fungal Tolerance. She also is an Honorary Professor at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, a Member of EMBO, a Fellow of the AAAS and a Fellow of the ASM. She has organized multiple conferences, served on many international grant panels, and is an Editor at mBio and G3: Genes, Genomes and Genomics. Her primary research interests include how cells respond to antifungal drug, with a focus on responses, such as antifungal drug tolerance, that involve phenotypic heterogeneity and genome structure and function, including aneuploidy, telomeres, centromeres, origins of replication and repeat regions and their connections to the cell cycle.

Taskeen

Ebrahim

Lecturer

Academia

University of Stellenbosch

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Working with industry

Main research interests include point-of-care diagnostics, optimized biosensor measurement electronics, sensor data processing

Taskeen Ebrahim is a lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University. She completed her PhD in 2022, with a focus on developing a capacitive biosensor for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Research and teaching interests include point-of-care diagnostics, computer systems, and biosensor interfacing systems.

Deshmukh-Reeves

PhD Student

Academia

University of Kent at Canterbury

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Other spp., Working with industry

Candida albicans, Biofilm formation, Mixed species interactions, Medical devices, Drug repurposing

I am finalising my PhD project investigating mixed species biofilm formation on tracheal tubing. My research examines the role of host factors such as blood and haemoglobin and how these can enhance Candida biofilm formation, significantly increasing tolerance to antifungal therapies. We hypothesise that Candida biofilms on airway devices act as a scaffold for bacterial pathogens. Colonisation of these bacterial pathogens can subsequently cause ventilator associated pneumonia. By targeting candida and limiting host factor accumulation we aim to slow polymicrobial biofilm formation and reduce the rate of biofilm-associated infections.

Professor

Graham

Dellaire

Professor

Academia

Dalhousie University

Canada

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

My laboratory uses evolutionary molecular biology approaches to identify anti-fungal drug targets and specific small molecular inhibitors for these targets that are designed to target specifically the fungal target despite high conservation of molecular function in other eukaryotes, including humans. Essentially, by design we seek to find low side-effect small molecule anti-fungal agents using a combination of comparative genomics, molecular modelling and medicinal chemistry.

Dr. Dellaire holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine from McGill University, and trained as a MRC/CIHR-funded postdoctoral fellow at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh, UK and SickKids Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Dellaire is a Dalhousie Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, a Senior Scientist of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (BHCRI), and former Director of Research in the Department of Pathology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada (2012-2024). Work in his laboratory is focused on increasing the safety and efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, anti-fungal drug discovery, and determining the underlying mechanisms of radiation and chemotherapy resistance in cancer, including dysregulation of mRNA splicing and DNA repair as well as alterations in the architecture of the cell nucleus. His laboratory employs evolutionary molecular biology approaches to the identification of protein functions conserved between species separated by 100s of millions of years of evolution – an approach he is now exploiting to discovery new anti-fungal drug targets. Dr. Dellaire also has interests in One Health, has published on animal species susceptibility to Sars-CoV-2 including non-human primates, companion animals and marine mammals, and founded the Canadian Environmental Exposures in Cancer (CE2C.ca) Network in 2018. CE2C.ca was founded to facilitate national collaborations to study how environmental carcinogens contribute to cancer development among Canadians, with an initial focus on the health impacts of radon gas and heavy metals like arsenic. He is co-editor of the books “The Functional Nucleus” and “Cancer Genomics: from Bench to Personalized Medicine”, and is currently an Associate Editor for the journal Chromosome Research.

Prof

OLIHILE M.

SEBOLAI

Lecturer and researcher

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Virulence factors

I have an interest in the following areas of research:
[1] Elucidating the role of C. neoformans in host-pathogen interactions, including respiratory viruses-C. neoformans interactions.
[2] Development of fungal growth control strategies via drug repurposing.
[3] Identification and epidemiology of C. neoformans in Africa.

I am a microbiologist and lead a research laboratory as principal investigator with an established programme on Cryptococcus neoformans, supervising honours, masters, doctoral and postdoctoral students at the University of the Free State, South Africa. I am interested in several aspects of C. neoformans biology, including its epidemiology, drug response and pathogenesis.

Claire

Scantlebury

Lecturer and Wellcome Trust Research Fellow

Academia

University of Liverpool

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/claire-scantlebury

My research is clinically orientated to support improved detection and control of infectious disease.

This involves collaboration with NGO’s, clinicians, academics and diagnostic labs at the forefront of navigating disease control in collaboration with communities impacted by disease.

I am a Veterinary Epidemiologist with an interest in Global Health.

My research is clinically orientated to support improved detection and control of infectious disease.

This involves collaboration with NGO’s, clinicians, academics and diagnostic labs at the forefront of navigating disease control in collaboration with communities impacted by disease.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/claire-scantlebury

Dr.

Duong

researcher

Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WI-KNAW)

Netherlands

AI/new tools, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp.

My research interests lie at the intersection of bioinformatics, genomics, and data science, with a strong focus on developing DNA barcoding, phylogenetics, and AI-driven classification methods to improve fungal identification, enhance fungal diagnostics, and support accurate taxonomy.

Duong Vu earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Since 2009, she transitioned to the life sciences and has been a bioinformatics researcher at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WI) since. Her research focuses on fungal species identification and the analysis of fungal communities in environmental and clinical samples. She has developed several AI-driven and computational tools, including DNABarcoder and MycoAI, to accurately and efficiently identify fungi. She has also contributed to multiple projects dedicated to building reference data for fungal identification, such as the WI-DNA barcoding project and ARISE, a Dutch national initiative developing an infrastructure for species identification and biodiversity monitoring in the Netherlands (https://www.arise-biodiversity.nl/). Additionally, she serves as a governance member of the UNITE community, an international research network focused on fungal DNA barcoding and taxonomy. Her research has led to the release of two extensive barcode datasets of yeast and filamentous fungal strains generated at WI in 2016 and 2019, marking a significant milestone in global fungal barcoding efforts. The latter dataset earned the Dutch Data Prize in the Life Sciences category in 2022.

Professor

Ludovic

Pelligand

Professor of veterinary clinical pharmacology

Academia

Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use

Use of antifungals in chicken production in the UK and SouthEast Asia

Ludovic Pelligand is a veterinary clinical pharmacologist with expertise in pharmacokinetics and PK/PD modeling. Ludovic is promoting the use of pharmacometrics to help resolve clinical questions at the level of the invidual animal or for more global questions, as in the field of antimicrobial use and resistance.
He is an active member of VetCAST (the veterinary subcommittee of EUCAST) and coordinates the setting up clinical breakpoints antimicrobials in every major veterinary species.
He recently completed his task on the One Health Chicken Hub project (onehealthpoultry.org), where he was the leader of the workpackage that organised the screening of chicken productions in Vietnam, Bangladesh and India for the presence of residues of veterinary antimicrobials by LC/MS.
He is involved in European Consortiums, like the JPIAMR SulTAn (Optimized dosing regimens for the combinations of sulfonamides and trimethoprim in veterinary medicine) with colleagues fron Toulouse, Uppsala and Ghent Universities and ANSES (France).

M. Sc.

Andres

Avalos

Laboratory Coordinator

Asociacion de Salud Integral

Guatemala

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education

Clinical diagnostics, medical research, pathology.

Andres Avalos, full time learner, biochemist focused in diagnostics and teaching, admirer of genetic diversity. He has worked in research and diagnostic laboratories for more than 20 years, including the design, set up and management, and has been teaching at local universities for almost 20 years in several fields related to biotechnology and data analysis. He has trained professionals in the field of diagnostics in the region (El Salvador, Panamá, Honduras, México). He has worked in the detection and measurement of genetic diversity of fungus, bacteria, virus, nematodes, fish, birds, plants, insects and mammals.

Assistant Professor

Katharine

Walter

Epidemiology

Academia

University of Utah

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Climate change impact on AFR, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Other spp., Outreach

https://ksw9.github.io/

Pathogen evolution creates an extraordinary epidemiological record and staggering public health challenges. Our group develops and applies evolutionary approaches to answer open questions about pathogen transmission and epidemiological dynamics. We focus on tuberculosis and pathogens linked to the rapidly changing climate in the American West with a goal of directly informing public health in low-income settings.

Climate change has been implicated in the emergence of several fungal pathogens, including Valley fever fungus Coccidioides, a major, environmentally-acquired cause of pneumonia in the American West. The burden of Valley fever disease is expected to dramatically increase under climate change, yet we don’t currently know the current distribution of Coccidioides nor how and where it is expected to spread under climate change. We are sequencing Coccidioides genomes from clinical samples from across the US and reconstructing the emergence history of the fungus. We are also sampling Coccidioides along elevation gradients to model the current and future distribution of Coccidioides in Utah.

We’re very interested in developing collaborations within the US and across Central and South America to better understand fungal pathogen transmission and evolution, including the evolution of antifungal resistance.

Prof.

Immaculata

Xess

Clinical Mycologist

Academia

All India Institute of Medical Sciences

India

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Currently, apart from routine fungal diagnostics my main area of focus includes drug resistance, molecular diagnosis, molecular epidemiology and characterization of fungi especially in invasive fungal infections (Aspergillosis, Mucormycosis, Candidiasis and Cryptococcosis).

I am keen on exploring environmental acquisition of clinical drug resistance and decoding impact of climate change on fungal strain evolution. It will be interesting to link concepts from evolutionary genetics to public health for fungal diseases. This kind of data will be significant for an agrarian nation like India.

I am a clinical mycologist in a premier medical institute associated with >2000 bed tertiary care hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi in India. Apart from daily clinical fungal investigations I am working in fungal epidemiology and diagnostics for 30 years. I have 280 publications, in many reputable journals including Emerging Infectious Diseases, PLoS, Journal of Infection etc. with H index of 37.

I investigate and report presence of any fungal elements from human clinical samples (>100 samples/day) besides being actively involved in molecular mycological research. I have successfully coordinated multiple (including multicentric) projects. Currently, I have 5.39M€ ICMR-Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Centre funding for my lab.

I am eager to form new collaborations and have the necessary ones in place for the multidisciplinary sampling strategy needed for citizen science projects. I have continued to mentor all these years, most of my students are well placed in academia and industry, nationally and internationally.

(https://www.aiims.edu/index.php/en/component/content/article?id=2304)

Master

Minh

Quach

CEO

Academia

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

https://homiq.com.vn/hop-tac-dao-tao-va-ho-tro-khoi-nghiep/

Since its inception, HomiQ Group, formerly HomiQ Fitness, was established in November 2011 with the desire to bring women a balanced, healthy and flexible body based on zumba exercises on Latin music. In nearly 2 years, HomiQ Fitness has focused on available resources as well as grasped the market to develop and expand nearly 200 branches and nearly 150 rotating trainers across 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta. Contributing to spreading the value of health – beauty – improving the spirit for thousands of women in the Southwest region in particular and the whole country in general through the mass media, becoming a “beauty trend” for modern women.

https://homiq.com.vn/gioi-thieu/

Kim

Trollope

Biofoundry lead

Academia

University of Stellenbosch

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Diagnostics, Vaccine development

Yeast biotechnology, mRNA vaccine raw materials, diagnostics

Kim Trollope is a researcher at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, holding a PhD in Microbiology with 15 years expertise in molecular biology and yeast biotechnology. Her work during her PhD studies earned her the prestigious L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Regional Fellowship for sub-Saharan Africa. As a strong advocate for inclusivity, Kim believes in the power of recognizing and applying the unique perspectives and contributions of African researchers in tackling local and global challenges. Her research is focused on translating academic findings into safe, practical technologies that can positively impact society. She is dedicated to leveraging the potential of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth. To this end, she is part of a team working on removing barriers to access, by building the Stellenbosch Biofoundry, the first in Africa, that combines advances in digitization of research and laboratory automation to create technologies and solutions using locally source elements.

Dhara

Malavia-Jones

Research Fellow

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Other spp., Outreach, Virulence factors, Working with industry

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/amr/academicprofiles/dharamalavia/
https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/32254-dhara-malavia

I am currently working on Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause superficial and life-threatening invasive infections in humans. It is the main etiologic Candida species responsible for hospital-acquired invasive candidiasis worldwide. Severe fungal infections are particularly challenging to treat due to limitations in rapid diagnostics and treatment options. These limitations have encouraged a search from new potent antifungals and improved diagnostic tools.

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/32254-dhara-malavia

I am a molecular microbiologist interested in clinically and industrially important microbes, particularly fungi. I joined Prof. Neil Gow’s group in Exeter as a post-doctoral researcher in 2019 after completing my PhD in Molecular Microbiology from University of Aberdeen. Prior to this, I acquired my MRes in Medical Mycology from University of Aberdeen in 2015 and MSc in Biotechnology from University of Exeter in 2012. Over the course of my career, I have also worked on industrial projects including biofuel production from rye grass and enzymatic production of active drug compounds at a global pharmaceutical company Piramal Healthcare Ltd., India.

Dr.

Winnie

Sum

Research scientist

Academia

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Kenya

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Industry engagement, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Outreach, Patient engagement, Working with industry

I’m interested in finding novel antifungal therapies from natural products in the wake of the recent antifungal resistance menace.
I’m interested also in applying the revolutionaries in -OMICS techniques to identify AFR genes as potential drug targets.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Dr. Winnie Chemutai Sum
Centre for Traditional Medicine & Drug Research (CTMDR),
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI),
Tel: +254720223440
E-mail: winsumbt@gmail.com; wsum@kemri.go.ke
VISION
A strong desire to effectively play a leading role in the dynamic scientific drug research sector through the application of my knowledge, skills and experience as a biochemist to improve well-being and eradicate diseases in Kenya and the world at large.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Nov 2020-July 2024-Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in Biochemistry
Aug 2010-Dec 2018-Egerton University: Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biochemistry
ACHIEVEMENTS
Nov 2020-To Date: Research scientist at the Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute.
Apr 2020-Oct 2024: Research scientist at the Microbial Drugs department of the Helmholtz Centre for Infections Research (HZI), Germany.
Apr 2020-Oct 2024: Holder of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship under the programme “Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany, 2020/21”.
Jul 2022-Nov 2022: Seconded staff member to Bangkok, Thailand for the European Commission EU H2020 funded project ‘MycoBiomics’ under the MSCARISE-2021: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange.
Feb 2017-Jun 2017: Seconded staff to HZI, Germany member of the “ASAFEM” Project (Grant no. IC-070) under the ERAfrica Programme.

Payal

Bhatnagar

Lecturer

Academia

International Medical University

Malaysia

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Vaccine development

Pharmaceutical formulation and deep understanding on pharmaceutical biotechnology, cosmeceuticals

I am an academician as well as a research-oriented professional with enthusiasm for new scientific developments for humankind. My passion for pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, and innovative drug delivery systems has driven my career in academia and research. With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical technology, I have dedicated my efforts to advancing knowledge in formulation sciences, biotechnology-based therapeutics, and translational research.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in teaching and mentoring students, shaping the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists. My expertise spans various aspects of drug formulation, biomaterials, and nanotechnology-driven therapeutics, ensuring that my students gain a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of pharmaceutical sciences.
As a researcher, my focus lies in exploring novel drug delivery systems, bio-based materials, and their potential applications in healthcare. I have worked extensively on optimizing biopolymer-based formulations, nanomedicine, and functional biomaterials aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. My research contributions extend to molecular investigations of wound healing, antimicrobial biomaterials, and pharmaceutical innovations targeting unmet medical needs.

With a keen interest in scientific advancements, I constantly engage in collaborative research, exploring interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex pharmaceutical challenges. My work emphasizes the translation of laboratory research into practical applications, contributing to the development of effective and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Beyond research and teaching, I actively participate in academic conferences, workshops, and scientific discussions, staying updated with the latest trends in pharmaceutical technology. I am committed to fostering a research-driven academic environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation.
Through my dedication to academia and scientific exploration, I strive to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences, ensuring that my work benefits both the scientific community and society at large.

Dr.

Rodney

Colon-Reyes

PostDoctoral Researcher

Academia

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

United States

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

Development of lipid biosensor in Cryptococcus neoformans;
Cell cycle regulation in Cryptococcus neoformans
Antifungal resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans
Innate immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus

Rodney Colon-Reyes is a Post Doctoral Fellow in the Chaoyang Xue Laboratory at the International Center for Public Health, part of the Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School. Rodney has a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2022) from Clemson University and a MSc and BS from Universidad de Puerto Rico – Mayaguez campus. Currently in his 2nd year as a Post Doc working on the development of a lipid biosensor for use in Cryptococcus neoformans

Ngan

Nguyen

Teacher

Academia

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis

Antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer of herbal extract

Nguyen, T. T. T., Nguyen, M. T. L., Nguyen, T. K. N., Huynh, H. T., Le, M. N., & Le, P. H. (2024). Antibacterial and photoprotective activities of silver nanoparticles of lichen extract loaded in activated carbon. Letters in Applied NanoBioScience, 13(11).
Dai, T. T. X., Chau, T. T., Truong, T. T. P., Tran, L. C., & Nguyen, N. T. K. (2024). Isolating Miliusa velutina endophytic bacteria to generate antioxidants and optimizing culture conditions for antioxidant production. South African Journal of Botany, 166, 561-570.

Isanka

Welagedara

Mycologist

Academia

Medical Research Institute Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement

Prevalence of fungal sensitised asthma and sinusitis .
Antifungal drug level achievement in patients in local setting .
Prevalence of histoplasmosis in Sri Lanka.

I am a medical graduate (MBBS 2011, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka ) with post graduate qualifications of diploma and MD in Medical Microbiology (2019, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka). Currently I am undergoing my post MD training in Medical Mycology in oder to get the Board certification as a Consultant Medical Mycologist in Sri Lanka.

Dr.

Emmanuel

Siddig

Clinical microbiologist/Clinical Scientist

Academia

University of Khartoum

Sudan

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

I am a dedicated medical doctor specializing in tropical medicine, alongside my qualifications as a clinical laboratory scientist. My research primarily focuses on fungal infections including Candida spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus spp., specifically mycetoma, with a strong emphasis on eumycetoma and its causative agents. Recognizing the significant impact of these neglected tropical diseases, I am committed to advancing our understanding and management of fungal infections within the framework of One Health, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

My work involves establishing baseline guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of significant medical fungi in Sudan. This initiative aims to address critical gaps in the management of fungal diseases, ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped with the necessary tools to effectively diagnose and treat affected patients. Furthermore, I have successfully designed and implemented various molecular-based techniques to improve the diagnosis of eumycetoma, enhancing detection capabilities and facilitating better clinical outcomes.

As a co-investigator in the first-ever clinical trial dedicated to eumycetoma, I have contributed to pioneering research that seeks to improve therapeutic options for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. This experience has strengthened my resolve to drive research efforts focused on fungal infections, which are often overlooked yet present considerable health challenges in regions like Sudan.

In my role as a laboratory director for a project sponsored by the Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases Initiative, I have demonstrated strong leadership in advancing research and public health initiatives. I remain committed to exploring the critical intersections of fungal infections and One Health, aiming to contribute to comprehensive solutions that address these diseases holistically.

I am eager to further my impact in this field and am actively seeking funding opportunities to support ongoing research initiatives that advance our understanding and management of fungal infections.

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6314-7374

Dr. Emmanuel Siddig is a dedicated medical doctor specializing in tropical medicine and a qualified clinical laboratory scientist, with a research focus on fungal infections, particularly Candida spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus spp. His expertise centers on eumycetoma, a neglected tropical disease, reflecting his commitment to advancing understanding and management within the One Health framework.

Currently, he is establishing baseline guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of significant medical fungi in Sudan, addressing critical gaps in healthcare. As a co-investigator in the first clinical trial for eumycetoma, Dr. Siddig’s is at the forefront of pioneering research to enhance therapeutic options.

His leadership as a laboratory director for a project sponsored by the Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases Initiative demonstrates his dedication to research and public health initiatives. Passionate about exploring the intersections of fungal infections and One Health, he is actively seeking funding opportunities to support ongoing research endeavors aimed at improving outcomes for affected communities.

For more details, please visit: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6314-7374

Ekene

Chidebelu

PhD

Academia

University of Nigeria

Nigeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement

I have passion for fungal pathogenesis, antimicrobials, epidemiology of opportunistic and tropical diseases; waterborne infections; Medical Bacteriology; Virology; Molecular Biology and Diagnostics.

Chidebelu Ekene Paul is a Medical Microbiologist and a research enthusiast. Since completion of his Bachelor’s degree, he has been in active research as a postgraduate student. Currently, he is in the later stages of his PhD program in the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
In the past years of his research experience, Chidebelu Ekene has mentored successive groups of undergraduate students in Life Sciences and other relevant fields of learning, in his capacity as a research assistant.
He has over the years aspired for personal development in his chosen area of specialty. This is evident in his research publications and collaborations with both local and international research groups.
Recently, Mr. Chidebelu was awarded the young ISHAM Fellowship, a training opportunity which he has successfully undergone in Milan, Italy, under the supervision of Dr. Massimo Cogliati. Furthermore, his desire to deepen his knowledge and research skills was recognized by the University community, nominating him to participate in the Erasmus KA171 international mobility exchange program to take place this year, 2025 at the University of Leon, Spain.
Chidebelu Ekene Paul is currently working on the development of cheaper diagnostic media for cryptococcosis, as one of his efforts to reverse the burden of opportunistic fungal infections among the HIV/AIDS patients, which rank among the predictors of death in the high risk population. Similarly, his interest in developing effective antimicrobial therapies potentially promises a relief in the HIV/AIDS endemic regions including Sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world.

Lucian

Duvenage

Junior Research Fellow

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am an early career researcher in the AFRICA CMM Medical Mycology Unit. My main research focus is pathogenesis of Emergomyces africanus, but I am also involved in Pneumocystis projects in our group. We make use of mouse models of infection to understand host-pathogen interactions and immune responses to fungal pathogens. Currently, we are also working together with researchers at MRC CMM (University of Exeter) to study fungi using novel bioimaging techiques.
Researchgate page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lucian-Duvenage?ev=hdr_xprf
ORCID: 0000-0001-8173-4644

I initially trained as a microbiologist and molecular biologist during my MSc and PhD. I joined A/Prof. Hoving’s group (AFRICA CMM Medical Mycology Research Unit) in June 2019 as a postdoctoral research fellow. I had just completed my PhD at the University of Kent, which was enabled by Wellcome Trust Strategic Award scholarship. Working in the AFRICA CMM group, I have had the opportunity to develop new skills to complement the microbiology experience I had acquired during MRes and PhD studies in the UK, including the use of mouse infection models. At the start of 2024 I took up my current position as a Junior Research Fellow in the group, funded by the Carnegie DEAL 3 award scheme. I am now looking to apply for funding of my own and become established as an Early Career Researcher.

Emmanuel

Wey

Consultant in Infection

Academia

Royal Free London NHS Trust, University College London, University of London

United Kingdom

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/infection-immunity/research/research-department-infection/clinical-microbiology

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Developing novel molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics approaches, and machine learning tools to better understand, detect, and combat AMR in clinical settings, particularly among immunocompromised populations and transplant recipients.

Novel Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarker Discovery: Advancing molecular diagnostic methods, including biomarkers for fungal and mycobacterial diseases, to improve early detection, clinical outcomes, and infection management strategies.

Machine Learning and Bioinformatics: Application of artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and integrated clinical databases (e.g., electronic Clinical Infection Database—elCID) to enhance patient management, diagnostics accuracy, and prediction of infection outcomes.

Infectious Diseases in Immunocompromised and Transplant Patients: Investigating infection dynamics, optimizing antimicrobial prophylaxis, and improving patient outcomes, especially in liver transplant and cirrhotic patient populations.

Paediatric Infectious Diseases: Exploring the unique challenges and novel interventions for managing infections in paediatric patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised.

One Health Approach to AMR and Antifungal Resistance (AFR): Collaborating nationally and internationally, including with veterinary institutions, to evaluate the cross-species impact of AMR and AFR on human health.

Optimisation of Anti-infective Dosing: Developing innovative dosing strategies, such as normothermic perfusion, to enhance the effectiveness and safety of antimicrobials in transplantation and surgical contexts.

Clinical Research and Guideline Development: Leading and participating in guideline development and systematic reviews, including ERAS protocols for liver transplantation and NHSBT guidelines for cadaveric organ transport fluid screening.

Translational Research Integration: Bridging clinical practice with research innovation, facilitating evidence-based interventions through direct clinical implementation and comprehensive dissemination of findings.

Educational and Professional Leadership: Actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and presenting research outcomes to diverse professional audiences, influencing policy and practice at local, national, and international levels.

I was appointed as a Consultant and Associate Professor in Infection at the Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2015 and am the Lead for Research and Integrated IT for the department of Microbiology. My research interests include antimicrobial resistance, Novel Molecular diagnostics, Bioinformatics and Machine learning (ML), infection in specific immunocompromised populations, and novel biomarker detection in Fungal disease using molecular diagnostics and ML. I am a member of the UCL Centre for Clinical Microbiology Research group and am involved in developing the group’s Clinical research portfolio collaborations with clinicians at other National and International Research Centres. We have developed one health collaborations with colleagues nationally at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and internationally in Vietnam to explore the effect of one health impacts on AMR and AFR in human populations and have very recently ( Feb 2025) been successful in obtaining UKRI funding to investigate the emergence of AMR related to chicken meat and egg consumption (OHRIGAME). I am project lead for the electronic clinical infection database (elCID) responsible for its configuration, integration, development, innovation, and clinical deployment at RFL with a goal of using embedded Machine learning to improve patient outcomes related to AMR and AFR.

Stephen

Brand

Chief Development Officer

Industry

Mycovia Pharmaceuticals

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Industry engagement, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Patient engagement, Sporothrix

Oteseconazole (VT-1161) was designed to be highly selective for fungal CYP51, thus avoiding off-target toxicities often associated with the azole drug class. Oteseconazole has excellent potency against Candida species, including azole-resistant species, and has demonstrated in vivo activity against the majority fungal priority pathogens as listed by the World Health Organization. Oteseconazole has shown excellent safety and efficacy in clinical studies in subjects with vaginal candidiasis, tinea pedis and onychomycosis. Oteseconazole (VIVJOA®) is approved in the USA and China to treat recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and severe vaginal candidiasis respectively.

Mycovia is committed to evaluate the potential clinical utility of oteseconazole in fungal disease indications where there continues to be an unmet medical need.

Dr. Stephen Brand provides strategic direction and technical leadership to the clinical development and medical affairs teams at Mycovia. He is responsible for the overall management and performance of the company’s antifungal clinical development programs in women’s health and other areas. Dr. Brand most recently served as Vice President, Clinical Development at Viamet Pharmaceuticals (now Mycovia) where he led cross-functional project teams, resulting in the successful completion of Phase 2b studies in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and onychomycosis. He previously served as President of Agile Sciences and Director at Argos Therapeutics, respectively companies focused on antimicrobial biofilms and personalized immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. Dr. Brand has held senior positions in pharmaceutical development at BioStratum, Inc., and Cato Research Ltd.

Dr. Brand is a graduate member of the Institute of Biology (GiBiol) and holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the School of Medicine, University of Manchester, England. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, USA

Patricia

Otieno

Lecturer

Academia

Technical University of Kenya

Kenya

Antifungal susceptibility, Climate change impact on AFR, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Outreach, Vaccine development

1. Immunology of fungal infections
2. Anti-fungal research: immunotherapy, anti-fungal susceptibility testing

I am an emerging research scientist with experience in experimental research specifically murine models. I investigated innate immune responses to Pneumocystis murina, looking at how pattern recognition receptors trigger Pneumocystis murina recognition and clearance. With a background in immunology, and the growing challenge of anti-fungal resistance and the urgent need for novel anti-fungal therapies, I am eager to contribute to the discovery and development of effective anti-fungal strategies that improve patient outcomes. Specifically, I am
interested in dissecting host pathogen interactions where host immune responses inform tailored anti-fungal therapy to individual patients based on their specific fungal infection.

van de Sande

Associate professor

Academia

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Netherlands

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Other spp.

Improving the management of mycetoma
https://www.erasmusmc.nl/en/research/researchers/sande-wendy-van-de

https://www.erasmusmc.nl/en/research/researchers/sande-wendy-van-de

Mark

Stappers

Research Fellow

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/32236

Mrs

Janelle

Branoff

Director, Program & Project Management

Mycovia Pharmaceuticals

United States

Microbial Pathogenesis

Fungal Biofilms

www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-branoff-ms-pmp-6a613611

Dr.

Hans

Carolus

postdoctoral researcher

Academia

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Université Laval

Belgium

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach

My research focuses on the evolutionary dynamics of antifungal drug resistance, particularly in Candida auris and other multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens. My work combines molecular microbiology, experimental evolution, and mathematical modeling to uncover resistance mechanisms, fitness trade-offs, and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. By bridging experimental and clinical mycology, we aim to develop evolution-informed treatment strategies that mitigate resistance development and improve antifungal therapy.

I am an evolutionary microbiologist with a passion for understanding how pathogens adapt and evolve. My undergraduate work focused on parasitology in the Lake Kariba ecosystem of Zimbabwe, uncovering the ecological impacts of invasive species and developing molecular tools for parasite detection. During my PhD at KU Leuven, I pivoted to medical mycology, where I used experimental evolution and mathematical modelling to study molecular mechanisms of resistance, fitness trade-offs and resistance dynamics in Candida auris. My research revealed collateral sensitivity relationships, laying the foundation for evolution-informed treatment strategies. Now, as a postdoctoral fellow at Université Laval, I am using deep mutational scanning to understand the molecular mechanisms of collateral sensitivity and predict resistance and collateral sensitivity evolution.
Beyond the bench, I am highly engaged in education, mentorship and science communication. I co-founded the Young Belgian Society for Microbiology which fosters scientific outreach and I am a freelance journalist for the Belgian popular science magazine EOS. Through FAILSAFE, I hope to contribute expertise in fungal resistance while expanding cross-disciplinary approaches to antimicrobial resistance mitigation.

Prof. Dr. rer. nat.

Wieland

Meyer

Director

Academia

Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WI-KNAW)

Netherlands

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Industry engagement, Omics, Outreach, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My research focuses on the evolution, phylogeny, speciation, population genetics, genomics, molecular epidemiology, strain typing, the development of fast, reliable molecular identification techniques for human/animal fungal pathogens, the impact of mycoses on global heath, public health preparedness to respond to fungal disease outbreaks, and the understanding of fungal pathogenesis on a molecular level. I am leading an international research team investigating the global epidemiology of the Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii species complex, for which I established a multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) scheme accessible via mlst.mycologylab.org and undertook the first global whole genome population analysis in collaboration with TGen, Phoenix, USA. I am leading an international consortium of microbiology reference laboratories to establish quality-controlled sequence databases (its.mycologylab.org) for fungal DNA barcoding and I undertake bringing metagenomics to the patient’s bedside to enable a fast identification of human fungal pathogens to guide antifungal treatment. I am leading the CDC funded LatAsp study to survey the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus azole resistance in the environment in Latin America.

I am a molecular medical mycologist, PhD 1992 Humboldt University Berlin, Germany; post-doctoral fellow 1992-1995 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; established the Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory in 1995, Prof. for Molecular Medical Mycology (2013-2022), Adjunct Prof. since 2022, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, since 2013; Associate Dean Curtin Medical School 2021–2022 and Dean of Research Faculty of Health Sciences 2022–2023, and Adjunct Prof. for Molecular Medical Mycology since 2023 at Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia; Guest Professor at Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil since 2013; Director of the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Science (KNAW) in Utrecht, Netherlands since 2023. My research interest is in evolution, phylogeny, population genetics, genomics, molecular epidemiology and identification of human/animal pathogenic fungi, the impact of mycoses on global heath, fungal pathogenesis and antifungal resistance.

Quang Minh

Clinical microbiologist

Academia

Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh city

Vietnam

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education

I am working as a clinical microbiologist at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Vietnam. My core research interests include diagnosis and management of emerging infections, application of novel microbiological tools, and development of molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases.

Dr. Minh is a talented, persistent, and dedicated clinician who has strong curiosity and desire to learn how genomics can be applied in clinical settings. His research in the coming years will focus on how genomics can inform better diagnostics, treatment and prevention strategies for reduce the burden of carbapenem-resistant and fungal infections in Vietnam.

www.linkedin.com/in/ho-minh-337695249
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5468-2199
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ho-Minh-6?ev=hdr_xprf

Dr.

Frank

Rosenau

Academic Director

Academia

Universität Ulm

Germany

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Other spp., Outreach

Two main areas exist in the group. The first one is aptamer-technology for diagnostics and biotechnology including the development of electronic and optical sensor devices (e.g. gFET-based sensor chips) to quantify pathogens (Candida spec., etc.) in body fluids (e.g. serum, saliva) in the case of sepsis or other health-threatening situations. The second is represented by peptide research to develop antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer peptides. Frank Rosenau is Co-founder of the Ulm Competence Center for Peptide Pharmaceuticals and has a cooperation experience with the Pharma-industries for around 15 years in this field. Actual projects involve scientific cooperations with zoologists, experts in bioinformatics and clinical microbiology and aim on the identification and further optimization of novel antimicrobial peptides to be combined with traditional antifungals against major Candida pathogens to improve efficacies on the way to efficient combination therapies.
https://www.uni-ulm.de/nawi/institute-of-pharmaceutical-biotechnology/institute/rosenau-group/publications/

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9297-6419

https://scholar.google.de/scholar?hl=de&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Frank+Rosenau&oq=frank+rosen

Thuc Quyen

Huynh

Technician

Academia

International University – VNU-HCM

Vietnam

Biomarker, Omics, Virulence factors

Research interest:
-AMR
-Omic study

Link: https://rcid.hcmiu.edu.vn/cv-huynh-thuc-quyen-msc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thuc-quyen-huynh-9366b9289/

Bui Tien

Head of Microbiology Department

Academia

108 Military Central Hospital

Vietnam

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

– Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria and fungi using traditional methods as well as molecular biology techniques and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
– Applying advanced technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of microbial diagnostics, enabling faster pathogen identification and optimizing antimicrobial treatment strategies.
– Research on antimicrobial resistance, exploring novel approaches to detect resistant strains and understand their epidemiology.

I am a medical doctor and the Head of the Department of Microbiology at one of Vietnam’s top five general hospitals. My research focuses on the identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria and fungi using molecular biology techniques and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. I explores advanced technologies to enhance the accuracy and speed of pathogen identification. In addition to diagnostics, I also studies antimicrobial resistance, aiming to detect resistant strains and analyze their epidemiology. Through collaborations with clinicians and researchers, I can contributes to developing effective infection management strategies.

Laure

Ries

Lecturer in Medical Microbiology

University of Plymouth

United Kingdom

AFR factors, Aspergillus, Candida, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Omics, Outreach, Virulence factors

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/laure-ries

https://researchportal.plymouth.ac.uk/en/persons/laure-ries

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
2023-present Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, University of Plymouth
2020-2023 Postdoctoral Research Fellow – MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, UK.
2017-2020 FAPESP Young Investigator Fellowship – Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
2016-2017 CNPq Postdoctoral Fellowship – Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
2013-2016 FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship – Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Autumn 2011 BBSRC industrial CASE
Three month work exchange at Roal Oy (Rajamäki, Finland, Europe), continuing PhD research on the chromatin structure of genes (epigenetics) within mutated Trichoderma reesei strains

EDUCATION
2008-2012 University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Fungal Genetics
2005-2008 University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
BSc Hons. Biological Sciences – 1st

ADDITIONAL SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
2022 – 2024 Editor for “Journal of Fungi”
2020-2021 Editor for “Frontiers in Fungal Biology”

GRANTS AND AWARDS
2024 Devon Northcott Medical Foundation Research Grant (£6,000)
2019-2020 FAPESP (Sao Paulo Research Foundation) SPRINT (Sao Paulo Researcher in INTernational collaboration) Grant (£10,000) – Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP) in collaboration with Dr. Mike Bromley from the University of Manchester (UoM). This project proposed to screen an extant mutant library to identify protein kinases and phosphatases whose loss of function results in the potentiation of azole action in A. fumigatus. Assessment of the library for potentiators of other antifungals that are either used clinically or those that target pathways that have been proposed as drug targets.
2017 Awarded the FAPESP Young Investigator Fellowship
2017-2018 Molecular Microbiology top 20 most downloaded and read article (doi: 10.1111/mmi.13887)

Professor

Rianatou

BADA ALAMBEDJI

Lecturer/reseacher

Academia

Ecole Inter-Etats des sciences et médecine vétérinaires (EISMV) de Dakar

Senegal

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development

Areas of research :
-Bacterial resistance to antibiotics,
-Antibiotic residues in animal products,
-Major zoonoses: (Rabies, Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, RVF)
-Avian diseases: salmonellosis, colibacillosis, Newcastle disease, Gumboro disease, infectious bronchitis, avian influenza, etc.
-Immunity of young domestic mammals
-In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of plants used in traditional veterinary medicine

I am a veterinary doctor who graduated from EISMV in 1986.
I was recruited as an assistant (teacher-researcher) in October 1988 in the Microbiology Immunology Infectious Pathology Department (MIPI) of EISMV. I stayed in Canada from January 1991 to May 1995 at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Saint-Hyacinthe, where I obtained a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology and a Diploma of Specialized Study in Laboratory Diagnosis (Microbiology: Bacteriology concentration).
I thus obtained the rank of Assistant Professor. In 1998, I succeeded in the CAMES competitive examination for aggregation, which gave me the rank of Associate Professor. Full Professor in 2006, I held the position of Head of the Department of Environmental Public Health from 2006 to 2015. Head of the department of MIPI since 2010, I cumulate since July 2015, the function of coordinator of the Internships and Post-Graduate Trainings.
I have dedicated most of my research work to antibiotic resistance through collaborative projects (notably with the E.coli OIE reference laboratory at Saint-Hyacinthe) which have led to the supervision of veterinary theses, masters and university theses (PhD) and resulted in several publications and communications.
Immunology, my second field of expertise, is not left out as I teach theoretical and practical courses and carry out research work in this discipline. I am currently a member of the UEMOA list of Veterinary Medicine Experts.In this capacity, I have attended sessions of the Regional Committee for Veterinary Medicines for the evaluation of applications for marketing authorizations for immunological products (vaccines).

M.A.

Claudia Lucía

Roca Berreondo

Project Director

Asociación de Salud Integral

Guatemala

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Diagnostics, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission

ASI has worked in several areas of research, in my particular interest I have collaborated in testing areas with artificial intelligence tools

I hold a degree in Pharmacy from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, along with a Master’s degree in Administration. I have over 15 years of experience in project management, consulting, and leadership roles for international cooperation organizations focused on health, particularly in areas such as HIV, Reproductive Health, and Nutrition.

Currently, I serve as the Project Director at the Asociación de Salud Integral, where I provide technical assistance to both national and international organizations. My experience has allowed me to lead multidisciplinary teams on various projects. I am well-versed in results management processes and am primarily motivated by the impact that health initiatives have on improving people’s lives.

ELKIN VLADIMIR

LEMOS LUENGAS

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Academia

Subred de Prestacion de Servicios Sur Occidente

Colombia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Vaccine development

Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, with a strong emphasis on HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (HBV/HCV), and emerging pathogens.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) and strategies to combat Antimicrobial Resistance, including the development and validation of biomarkers for infection management and treatment outcomes.
Vaccine Development and Implementation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, addressing barriers to immunization and evaluating vaccine efficacy and safety in real-world settings.
Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), including cost-effectiveness analyses of infectious disease interventions and health technologies.
Global Health Policy and Public Health Interventions, using implementation science approaches to reduce the burden of infectious diseases and improve population health.

Rudzani

Mashau

Epidemiologist

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

My research focuses on combating bacterial and fungal infections in critically ill patients, particularly in low-resource settings. With the aims to address healthcare disparities by identifying cost-effective diagnostic tools, sustainable infection surveillance systems, and strategies to manage antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, my work emphasizes capacity building through training and infrastructure development, ensuring long-term improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Rudzani holds a degree in Nursing, Counselling Psychology and a Master’s in Public Health with a specialization in Field Epidemiology. Currently pursuing PhD studies, Rudzani’s research focuses on the epidemiology of neonatal infections in South Africa, a critical area in improving child health outcomes. With over eight years of experience as an epidemiologist, Rudzani has honed expertise in public health research, infectious disease surveillance, and healthcare interventions. Throughout this period, Rudzani has made significant contributions to the field by publishing and co-authoring numerous research articles that have advanced the understanding of key epidemiological challenges.

Currently, Rudzani is working on a Fungal Surveillance project under the leadership of Prof Nelesh Govender, an initiative that aims to strengthen diagnostic and surveillance capacity for fungal infections across the Southern Africa region. This project addresses a pressing need in resource-limited settings, where fungal diseases often go undetected and untreated, leading to severe health consequences. By enhancing diagnostic tools and establishing sustainable surveillance systems, Rudzani is playing a pivotal role in building the region’s capacity to manage fungal infections effectively.

Rudzani’s work reflects a deep commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare access and improving health outcomes in under-resourced areas. Through a combination of cutting-edge research, capacity building, and collaboration, Rudzani is driving impactful change in the fields of public health and infectious disease management, with a vision to empower communities and strengthen health systems across Southern Africa.

Shridhar

Narayanan

CEO

Industry

Foundation for Neglected Disease Research

India

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Vaccine development, Working with industry

Antifungal drug discovery and development. Development of diagnostic tools for fungal infections.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shridhar-narayanan-6737903/

Mr.

Nhat-Thong

Research Assistance

Academia

Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Omics

DNA sequencing, DNA analysis, Bioinformatics

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Sa70DKAAAAAJ&hl=en

Impacts of COVID-19 crisis and some related factors on the mental health of 37150 Vietnamese students: a cross-sectional online study CB Duong, NV Tran, AH Nguyen, TN Le, BH Ha, CNP Do, K Huynh, … BMC Public Health 23	10	2023
Deficiency in mammalian STN1 promotes colon cancer development via inhibiting DNA repair DD Nguyen, E Kim, NT Le, X Ding, RK Jaiswal, RJ Kostlan, TNT Nguyen, … Science Advances 9 (19), eadd8023	7	2023
A machine learning approach utilizing DNA methylation as a classifier for Pulmonary Tuberculosis screening NT Le, TTH Do, DMT Duong, DHN Tran, TQ Huynh, K Huynh, PT Nguyen, … Gene Reports, 101939		2024

MD., PhD

Tuan

Nguyen

Medical doctor

Academia

Thong Nhat General Hospital of Dong Nai Province

Vietnam

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

My research interests are primarily focused on:

Antimicrobial resistance and molecular epidemiology, particularly in Acinetobacter baumannii and other multidrug-resistant organisms.
Genomic characterization and comparative genomics of clinical bacterial pathogens.
Rapid diagnostic methods including molecular testing (Multiplex PCR, mCIM, eCIM) and direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing from clinical samples.
Application of informatics tools (e.g., WHONET) for antibiotic resistance surveillance and empirical treatment optimization.
Hospital infection control and clinical microbiology practices.
Emerging interests in multi-cancer early detection using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based assays.

Dr. Nguyen Si Tuan is Head of the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology at Hong Bang International University and manages the Microbiology Department at Thong Nhat General Hospital, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. He is also an Executive Committee Member of the Ho Chi Minh City Clinical Microbiology Association. Dr. Tuan holds a PhD in Biotechnology and an MD in General Practice, with over 20 years of experience in medical microbiology, infection control, and molecular diagnostics.

His research focuses on antimicrobial resistance surveillance, molecular epidemiology, rapid diagnostics (e.g., mCIM/eCIM, multiplex PCR), and application of informatics tools such as WHONET to guide empirical treatment strategies. He has led and collaborated on studies involving genomic characterization of multidrug-resistant organisms and ctDNA-based assays for multi-cancer early detection.

Dr. Tuan has published widely in international journals including Journal of Medical Microbiology, Antibiotics, BMC Medicine, and Infection, Genetics and Evolution. He is keen to collaborate on projects related to diagnostic innovation, resistance monitoring, and translational microbiology to improve patient outcomes and infection control practices in low-resource healthcare settings.

Hina

Raza

Assistant professor

Academia

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan

Pakistan

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development

Hina Raza is an academic scientist and Teaching Pharmacist with a strong educational background in Pharmaceutical Sciences and drug and vaccine delivery. Having skills in the development of needle-free vaccine carriers with a special focus on Protein-based vaccines, and conjugated vaccines.
Proven ability to implement policies, collaborate with fellow research associates, and ensure regulatory compliance.
hinaraza@bzu.edu.pk
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=gUVxnPEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

hinaraza@bzu.edu.pk
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=gUVxnPEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
www.linkedin.com/in/hina-raza-31718b181
Hina Raza is an academic scientist and Teaching Pharmacist with a strong educational background in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specializing in drug and vaccine delivery. She possesses expertise in the development of needle-free vaccine carriers, with a particular focus on protein-based and conjugated vaccines.

She has a proven ability to implement policies, collaborate with research associates, and ensure regulatory compliance. Her research aims to develop patient-centered solutions that benefit broader populations, particularly in low-resource settings.

Research Projects
Postdoctoral Fellowship (2020–2021)
Title: Development and Characterization of a Novel Thermoresponsive Sublingual Vaccine for the Sublingual Delivery of FliC and Cwp84 Vaccines Against Clostridium difficile
Funding: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan (Grant No. 3-1/PDFP/HEC/2021/666/01)

Research Grant
Title: Development and Evaluation of Oral pH-Responsive Microparticles Encapsulating Inactivated E. coli to Provide Immunity in Broiler Poultry and Combat Antibiotic Drug Resistance
Funding: BactiVac Catalyst Projects (BVNCP7-16)

Areas of Specialization
Drug Delivery Systems
Targeted Drug Delivery
Vaccine Carrier Development
Oral Vaccines for Poultry
Publications
Hina Raza has authored more than 30 publications in her field of expertise.

Certifications
Drug Development and Management
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System (QMS)

Prof.

Sanyog

Jain

Professor

Academia

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) S.A.S. Nagar

India

Antifungal use, Combination therapies

Prof. Sanyog Jain’s research involves developing nano drug delivery systems for overcoming therapeutic shortcomings of the conventional treatments. His group specializes in nanoformulation for multifunctional nano drug delivery systems for targeted anticancer drug delivery, oral delivery of poorly absorbable small drug molecules, vaccine and insulin as well as topical drug delivery for treatment of skin related diseases. His research interest focuses on synergestic drug combinations, drug conjugates, drug-phospholipid complex, lipid-drug conjugate, biocompatible polymeric nanocarriers, lipidic nanosystems for improving the deliverability of drugs. In antifungal research, his team has investigated various nanocarrier systems, such as drug-lipid conjugate, lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles, lipid carriers, polymeric carriers, etc. These advanced delivery platforms have demonstrated significant improvements in the efficacy and bioavailability of drugs like amphotericin, which has been extensively studied in their lab.

Here is the link to access the Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?hl=en&user=aFap8AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Dr. Sanyog Jain is currently Professor and Head, Department of Pharmaceutics at NIPER S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India. He has advanced the field of drug delivery and nanomedicine, focusing on addressing critical challenges in improving drug efficacy and bioavailability. Dr. Jain holds a masters (2000) and doctorate degree (2006) in Pharmaceutics from Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar (M.P.). His multidisciplinary research fosters the development of innovative therapies for cancer, diabetes and infectious diseases, including fungal infections. Dr. Jain is leading a group of about 22 post-graduate, doctorate and post-doctoral students and he has guided nearly 143 master’s students, 18 Ph.D. scholars, and 3 postdoctoral fellows till now. His research lab is dedicated to developing advanced nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems including polymeric nanocarriers, lipidic nanosystems, drug-lipid complex, ionic liquids, etc. To date, Prof. Jain has authored over 220 high-impact publications, with a cumulative impact factor of >1150, 15,000+ citations, and h-index of 66. He holds 19 patents (14 granted), notably, a patent on amphotericin B (AmB) and lipid nanocarriers, which has demonstrated promising results in enhancing antifungal efficacy and reduced toxicity. He is a member of various pharmaceutical associations, including AAPS and has been awarded with prestigious awards, including APTI, Rising Suns in Asia, Bharat Jyoti (The Glory of India), etc.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zg70EZ43KTFIJBxZzIohqh7ieBtpeNd4/view?usp=drive_link

Assoc Prof Dr

Mahmathi

Karuppannan

Senior Lecturer

Academia

Universiti Teknologi Mara

Malaysia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Education and Workshops, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

https://expert.uitm.edu.my/V2/page-detail.php?id=hUMF6dHEXHn186xf4thrR5uYDp+Tar2AZHnccsEimck=

Dr. Mahmathi Karuppannan is an Associate Professor at Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and has been servicing since 2006. She obtained her Ph.D degree in pharmacy from University of Nottingham, United Kingdom in 2012 and a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy from University of Science Malaysia in 2005. She has been the program coordinator for Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy for 7 years and the Head of Department of Clinical Pharmacy for 2 years. Her expertise is in field of clinical and pharmacy practice and has research interests particularly in adverse drug events, medication review/ adherence, pharmacy education, telepharmacy and economic evaluations. She has graduated 5 Ph.D and 2 masters by research students, and more than 10 masters coursework students. Currently she is supervising 3 Ph.D and 2 master students.

Dr.

Minh-Anh

Dang-Trinh

Principal Investigator

Academia

Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics, Lateral Flow test, Omics

Characterizing the diversity of fungal species causing infections in different patient populations and analyzing gene mutations and expression related to drug resistance in Southern Viet Nam

https://rcid.hcmiu.edu.vn/cv-dang-trinh-minh-anh-phd-2/

Hugh

Gifford

NIHR Clinical Lecturer (start 1/9/25), PhD student (viva 30/4/25), Senior Registrar Respiratory/Internal/Intensive Care Medicine (ST7)

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/37713-hugh-gifford

AYACHI

Ahmed Abdelhakim

Lecturer-Researcher

Academia

Université Mentouri Constantine

Algeria

Antifungal use, Candida, Industry engagement

My research focuses on the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles with antifungal activity. I investigate their structural, physicochemical, and biological properties to enhance their potential applications.

hold a Ph.D. in Materials Science, obtained in 2015, with a strong research focus on the synthesis and surface properties of metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly those with antifungal activity. My work aims to understand and optimize their physicochemical characteristics to enhance their performance in environmental and biomedical applications. I am particularly interested in surface modifications and functionalization strategies to improve their stability, reactivity, and bioactivity.

Diptanu

Paul

Assistant Professor

Academia

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar

India

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Diagnostics, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp.

My research interests include Candidemia, Dermatophytes, Rare Fungal Infections, Fungal Genomics, and Antifungal Stewardship.
ORCID ID – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3729-8344

I am currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. In addition, I serve as the Co-Principal Investigator of the Advanced Molecular and Diagnostic Research Centre for Fungi in Eastern India. My research interests include Candidemia, Dermatophytes, Rare Fungal Infections, Fungal Genomics, and Antifungal Stewardship. As a dedicated researcher, I am actively contributing to the field of medical mycology. I am a Life Member of the Indian Society of Medical Mycologists (ISMM) and a member of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (Young-ISHAM). My commitment to advancing fungal research and diagnostics drives me to seek opportunities for global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Daouda

OUEDRAOGO

Veterinary epidemiologist

Academia

EISMV Dakar

Senegal

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases in animals, particularly zoonotic diseases and emerging pathogens. I am particularly interested in disease modeling, One Health approaches, and the impact of climate change on animal and public health. My current research explores the epidemiology, socio-economic impact, and alternative therapeutic approaches for epizootic lymphangitis in draft horses in Senegal.

I am also interested in applying innovative epidemiological methods to improve disease surveillance and control strategies in West Africa

I’am a veterinary epidemiologist with a strong interest in infectious disease surveillance, One Health, and the socio-economic impact of animal diseases. I hold a Master’s degree in Veterinary Public Health and has conducted research on zoonotic diseases, including influenza D virus in cattle. Currently, My PhD focuses on the epidemiology, socio-economic impact, and alternative therapeutic approaches for epizootic lymphangitis in draft horses in Senegal.

My research explores innovative disease modeling and phytotherapy solutions to improve animal health management in West Africa. Passionate about bridging science and policy, i aim to contribute to effective disease control strategies in resource-limited settings.

I’am open to collaborations on infectious disease modeling, veterinary epidemiology, and sustainable animal health interventions.

Victoria

Dolange

Research Scientist

Academia

CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission)

France

Antigen, Candida, Combination therapies, Immunotherapies

I am a Research Fellow and the Head of the Immunotherapy Division at the Immunoanalysis Studies and Research Laboratory. Our lab has developed an extensive portfolio of monoclonal antibodies targeting various Candida species, focusing on both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

I’m a dedicated Research Fellow in the Immunotherapy Division at the Immunoanalysis Studies and Research Laboratory (CEA) where I focus on advancing our extensive portfolio of monoclonal antibodies. With a Ph.D. in Immunology and a strong enthusiasm for scientific innovation, I aim to contribute to the field of immunotherapy, particularly in developing antibacterial and antifungal therapies for resistant infections. My technical expertise spans molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and immunology, with proficiency in advanced techniques such as PCR, flow cytometry, or in vivo model.

Sulaiman

Lakoh

Consultant Infectious Disease specialist and Lecturer

Academia

University of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Outreach, Patient engagement

My experience and training in conducting research on AMR and IPC in Sierra Leone and Nigeria has
positioned me to publish articles in this field. These are some of my articles on AMR and IPC.
a. Lakoh S, Yi L, et al. (2022) Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infections and related
antibiotic resistance in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a prospective cohort study. Antimicrob Resist
Infect Control. 2022 Feb 21;11(1):39. PMCID: PMC8862228
b. Lakoh S, Maruta A, et al. (2022) How Well Are Hand Hygiene Practices and Promotion
Implemented in Sierra Leone? A Cross-Sectional Study in 13 Public Hospitals. Int J Environ Res
Public Health. 2022 Mar 23;19(7):3787. PMCID: PMC8997996

My work over the past decade focused on generating evidence in the prevention, management and
treatment of infectious diseases in Sierra Leone. I have published a number of articles on HIV.
a. Lakoh S, Jiba DF, et al. (2019). Causes of hospitalization and predictors of HIV-associated
mortality at the main referral hospital in Sierra Leone: a prospective study. BMC Public
Health;19(1):1320. PMCID: PMC6805411
b. Lakoh S, Firima E, et al. Low partner testing in high HIV prevalence setting in Freetown, Sierra
Leone: a retrospective study. BMC Res Notes. 2019 Sep 24;12(1):629.

Over the course of the years, I designed and conducted studies on viral hepatitis in Sierra Leone. These
studies served as milestone foundation in a silent epidemic of hepatitis
a. Lakoh S, et al. 2021. Prevalence of sero-markers and non-invasive assessment of liver cirrhosis
in patients with Hepatitis B virus infection in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study.
BMC Gastroenterol. 320. PMCID: PMC8353767
b. Lakoh S, et al. 2021. Prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in Sierra Leone-current knowledge
and knowledge gaps: a narrative review. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. trab054.

Our work at the infectious disease unit of Connaught Hospital showed the challenges with the control
and prevention of TB and fungal in in Sierra Leone.
a. Lakoh S, Yendewa GA. (2022). Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sierra Leone. Lancet Glob
Health: e459-e460. PMID: 35303445
b. Lakoh S, et al. 2021. The burden of serious fungal infections in Sierra Leone: a national
estimate. Ther Adv Infect Dis; 8:20499361211027996. PMCID: PMC8252340

In recent times, Sierra Leone faced a series of epidemics.
a. Lakoh S, Firima E, et al. (2021). An Intra-COVID-19 Assessment of Hand Hygiene Facility, Policy
and Staff Compliance in Two Hospitals in Sierra Leone: Is There a Difference between Regional
and Capital City Hospitals? Trop Med Infect Dis;6(4):204. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040204.
b. Adekanmbi O, Ilesanmi O, Lakoh S. (2021). Ebola: A review and focus on neurologic
manifestations.J Neurol Sci; 421:117311. PMID: 33493959

Complete List of 62 Published Work in My Bibliography: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Lakoh+S.
Additional Information
Country Ambassador: Global Action for Fungal Infections
https://gaffi.org/who/our-ambassadors/sierra-leone/.

I am a Sierra Leonean Infectious Disease physician with over ten-year experience in the fields of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Public Health. I currently oversee and provide technical support and capacity development in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), HIV, tuberculosis, and infection prevention and control (IPC). With an extensive background in clinical research and good track record in conducting investigations, training on HIV and other infectious diseases, my expertise extends to integrated disease surveillance and response, pharmacovigilance in health care settings, advocacy, education and communication on contemporary health issues, and clinical audits. Trained in Sierra Leone and Nigeria, since graduating with MB CHB in 2009, my research work mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, have focus on HIV, AMR, IPC, and TB. My work has received funding over the years from the NIHR, Canadian Institute Health Research, Pfizer-International Society for Infectious Disease, International Society for Infectious Disease and Joint TDR and WHO to tests and implements interventions aimed at improving clinical outcomes for families impacted by infectious diseases. My work has created a solid base for stakeholder engagement and provide clinical as well as public health services to the Government of Sierra Leone and the wider Africa. To date, I have published over 62 articles in infectious disease in Sierra Leone and the wider Africa. My extensive experience and training in conducting research, has positioned me to collaborate with other researchers around the world.

Professor

Christopher

Jeffrey

Professor

Academia

University of Nevada – Reno

United States

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Omics

We are a bioactive natural products discovery group that leverages ecological interactions to guide the isolation and characterization of novel antifungal compounds. We work closely with institutions and organizations in South and Central America to collaborate on these scientific projects.

Professor Christopher Jeffrey was born and raised in the upper Midwest. As the first in his family to attend college, he earned his B.S. in chemistry from Carroll University in 2002, conducting research in synthetic photochemistry with Professor Kevin McMahon. He then pursued M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Minnesota under Professor Thomas R. Hoye, focusing on carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, the discovery of a sea lamprey migratory pheromone, and natural product synthesis. In 2007, he joined Princeton University as a postdoctoral fellow, working with Professor Erik J. Sorensen on the total synthesis of cortistatin A, a marine natural product with anti-cancer properties. Since joining the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010, Professor Jeffrey has led research at the intersection of chemistry, ecology, and clinical mycology, particularly in antifungal discovery. His lab collaborates with UNR Med School, the University of Costa Rica, and UC Davis to investigate novel antifungals from insect microbiota and biofilm disruption in clinical applications. A co-founder (2018) and current director (since 2023) of the Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology, he has been recognized with a 2012 CNPq Science Without Borders Award (Brazil), the 2015 Mousel-Feltner Award for Excellence in Research, and the 2018 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentorship Award. His work has resulted in patents, numerous invited talks, and international publications.

Dr.

Suryyia

Manzoor

Associate Professor

Academia

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan

Pakistan

Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Outreach, Vaccine development

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/LUZ-5183-2024

My research focuses on the synthesis of environmentally friendly (greener) nanomaterials and their application as antifungal agents, specifically targeting Aspergillus species. The approach involves the development of sustainable synthesis methods for nanoparticles, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact while enhancing their efficacy against fungal pathogens. By utilizing these nanoparticles, I aim to contribute to the development of alternative, eco-friendly antifungal treatments for combating fungal infections, particularly those caused by Aspergillus.

Dr. Suryyia Manzoor earned her Ph.D. from University of Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Currently she is an Associate Professor at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, with a distinguished academic and research career. Her current research focuses on the synthesis and application of green eco-friendly nanomaterials to inhibit fungal growth, a field in which she has already published three articles and supervised two MPhil theses.
She has authored over 80 research articles, with a particular emphasis on green nanotechnology and sorbent designing for the determination of emerging pollutants. Her pioneering work has not only contributed to scientific understanding but has also earned her a U.S. patent for her innovative contributions. In addition to her role as a researcher, Dr. Suryyia Manzoor also served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, through the Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellowship, where she further refined her expertise in relevant fields.

Abraham Muhindo

Bwalhuma

Medical and Diagnostic Microbiologist

Commercial Organisation

Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Uganda

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Sporothrix

Ampaire L, Muhindo A, Orikiriza P, et al. A review of antimicrobial resistance in East Africa. Afr J Lab Med. 2016;5(1), a432.http://dx.doi org/10.4102/ajlm.v5i1.432
Muhindo, A. B., Aliero, A. A., Odoki, M., Ntulume, I., Eilu, E., Mutebi, J., Boum Y., &Apecu, R. O. (2021). Antibiotic-Resistant Profiles of Bacteria Isolated froCesarean and Surgical Patients from Kasese District Hospitals Western Ugand Borneo Journal of Pharmacy, 4(2), 145-156.https://doi.org/10.33084/bjop.v4i2.1948

Muhindo AB, Aliero AA, Syalhasha FM, Ntulume I, Eilu E, Odoki M, Mutebi J. A Review of Antifungal Resistance in West Africa. Borneo J Pharm [Internet]. 2024May30 [cited 2025Mar.5];7(2):187-9. Available from: https://journal.umpr.ac.id/index.php/bjop/article/view/6507

I am professional Medical laboratory specialist and Microbiologist, with passion of advancing and promoting Antimicrobial resistance research in Hospital acquired infections and public health microbiology.
The early years of my career have been well spent in the medical diagnostic industry and academia, where I have been involved in enabling the access of much needed medical laboratory services in hospitals and teaching in higher institutions of learning in Uganda. My positive disposition, reflective way of thinking and operations, interpersonal relations, team work and analytical skills make me stand out. I am enthusiastic about training others and always put a premium on initiative, willingness to learn, with a strong disease and laboratory surveillance knowledge coupled with good communication abilities of this knowledge.

Professor

Bey Hing

Goh

Head of Biofunctional Molecules Discovery Centre (SBMDC)

Academia

Sunway University

Malaysia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement

https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/school-of-medical-life-sciences/staff-profiles/professor-goh-bey-hing

https://scholar.google.com.my/citations?user=nHY89z8AAAAJ&hl=en

https://sites.google.com/monash.edu/farmmate-s1/home
https://sites.google.com/view/sbmdc-resource-page/home

Attended GAMRIF summit in KL 2025

Professor Ts Dr Goh Bey Hing’s research centers on exploration of the biofunctionality of molecules and pharmacology. With a prolific record of 200+ publications, his research encompasses fundamental studies as well as collaborations with industries and healthcare sectors. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first Malaysian on The Advisory Board of The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST). Additionally, he is esteemed as a Chartered Biologist by the Royal Society of Biology, United Kingdom, and has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Malaysians by Junior Chamber International & Top Research Scientists Malaysia by Academy Sciences Malaysia, recognizing his significant contributions to research, education, and community.

Dr.

Carolina

Firacative

Principal Lecturer

Academia

Universidad del Rosario

Colombia

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Cryptococcus, Industry engagement

Molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis and antifungal susceptibility of human and animal pathogenic fungi, mainly Cryptococcus and Candida.
https://pure.urosario.edu.co/en/persons/carolina-firacative

Biologist from Universidad Nacional de Colombia with a PhD in Medicine from University of Sydney, Australia and a post-doc carried out at the University of Leipzig, Germany. Currently she is Principal Lecturer in the School of Medicine and Health Science at Universidad del Rosario, in Bogota, Colombia. Her research has mainly focused on the epidemiology of cryptococcosis and invasive candidiasis, mycoses of public health importance. She has also studied the virulence, antifungal susceptibility, genetics and molecular epidemiology of diverse fungal pathogens. During her career, she has published about 60 scientific papers, impacting on the understanding of the population genetics, the detection of nosocomial outbreaks and the identification of human pathogenic fungi.

Professor

Hossein

Mirhendi

Professor

Academia

Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Iran

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

Medical Mycology,Molecular detection, Antifungal resistance

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hossein-Mirhendi

Anne

Wanjiku

Medical Laboratory scientist

Commercial Organisation

Mount Kenya University

Kenya

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Industry engagement

My research interest lies in understanding the growing burden of invasive fungal infections among patients, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. I am particularly focused on the mechanisms driving antifungal resistance and the challenges associated with accurate identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of fungal pathogens. I aim to investigate the prevalence and resistance patterns of invasive fungal infections, with an emphasis on the emerging drug-resistant C. aureus isolates from ICU patients. By analyzing clinical isolates and antibiogram data, I seek to better understand the complexities of fungal resistance, its impact on patient outcomes, and the difficulties faced by healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing these infections in a hospital environment. This research is essential for improving diagnostic techniques, refining treatment strategies, and ultimately mitigating the threat of antifungal resistance.

Books:

Kauffman, C. A., & Pappas, P. G. (Eds.). (2014). Fungal Infections: Diagnosis and Management. Springer.

Singh, A., & Gupta, S. (2016). Invasive Fungal Infections: Clinical Management and Therapeutic Strategies. Wiley-Blackwell.

Journal Articles:

Pfaller, M. A., & Diekema, D. J. (2017). Epidemiology of Invasive Fungal Infections in North America. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 43(3), 238-258. https://doi.org/10.1080/1040841X.2016.1163292

Sorrell, T. C. (2014). Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Patients. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 69(1), 6-16. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkt355

Kontoyiannis, D. P., & Lewis, R. E. (2018). The Role of Antifungal Resistance in the Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections in Hematology Patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(2), 132-144. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2017.74.0125

Dannaoui, E., & Lortholary, O. (2016). The Role of Molecular Diagnostics in the Management of Invasive Fungal Infections. Mycoses, 59(6), 329-340. https://doi.org/10.1111/myc.12445

Reports and Guidelines:

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Global Guidelines for Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Invasive Fungal Infections. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240063444

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: Epidemiology and Clinical Management. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/infections

Thesis/Dissertation:

Sturner, K. S. (2017). Prevalence and Impact of Invasive Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: A Retrospective Study. University of XYZ.
harma, C., et al. (2020). The role of molecular diagnostics in fungal infections. Fungal Biology Reviews, 34(1), 1-12.

Verweij, P. E., et al. (2020). Resistance to azoles in Aspergillus fumigatus: Mechanisms and clinical implications. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 64(4), e00292-20.

Verweij, P. E., et al. (2020). Resistance to antifungal agents in clinical practice. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 61(9), 1378-1385.

Dr.

Casey

Philbin

Research Assistant Professor

Academia

University of Nevada – Reno

United States

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Omics

I am a chemical ecologist and natural products chemist interested in the chemicals that mediate microbial interactions and in the discovery of novel antimicrobial drug leads.

https://www.unr.edu/chemistry/people/casey-philbin

https://www.unr.edu/chemistry/people/casey-philbin

Rachael

Dangarembizi

Senior Lecture

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Antigen, Biomarker, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Omics, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

I am an early-career African female neuroscientist whose research focusses on the mechanisms of brain injury during fungal infections. Our specific interest is studying the pathophysiology of cryptococcal meningitis: a neglected but highly fatal fungal infection of the brain that is extremely difficult to treat and a leading a cause of mortality for people living with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. My training and expertise are in neuroimmunology and neuroinfections and have successfully set up novel translational models and techniques for studying CNS mycoses. I also have also setup in vivo and ex vivo rodent models, human brain-based culture systems, immortalized cell culture systems, and post-mortem tissue for studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of fungal infections.

https://neuroscience.uct.ac.za/our-members

https://neuroscience.uct.ac.za/our-members

Dr.

Thanh Nguyen

Member

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Other spp.

I focus on computational studies simulating the interactions between precious metal clusters such as gold, silver, copper with biological molecules such as drugs, DNA, antibiotics, amino acids to detect and characterize Raman spectra. I have also conducted projects on evaluating the antibacterial ability of silver nanoparticles treated with natural extracts, applied in sterilization.
Link to my information: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XplL-M0AAAAJ&hl=en.

Link to my information: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XplL-M0AAAAJ&hl=en.

I have been involved in scientific research for nearly 10 years, focusing on computational simulations of precious metal clusters, mainly determining the geometric structure, electronic properties, spectroscopy, and biomedical applications. This can be seen in my publications in the link above. Recently, I have been interested in applying natural compounds in the treatment of scalp fungus and psoriasis. Being a member of this community will help me access funding, get to know more colleagues, and thereby expand my research resources.

Prof

Yemisi

Adesiji

Lecturing

Academia

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Diagnostics

Epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens

Professor Adesiji’s academic journey began with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1998, followed by an MSc in Medical Microbiology in 2004, and a Ph.D. in Microbiology in 2011. She has held several notable administrative positions throughout her career, including Head of Department, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, and Faculty Postgraduate Representative.

Her research interests focus on the epidemiology of bacterial zoonoses and infection control. She has authored over sixty publications in reputable journals, edited conference proceedings, and book chapters. Professor Adesiji has also successfully supervised more than 20 master’s dissertations and postgraduate diploma theses, and is currently mentoring two Ph.D. candidates.

In recognition of her contributions to the field, Professor Adesiji was officially announced as a Professor of Medical Microbiology approximately inOctober 2017, becoming the first female professor in her department.

She is an active member of numerous professional bodies within and outside Nigeria, reflecting her commitment to advancing medical microbiology and Parasitology

Juliet

Rundogo

Research Clinician

Academia

University of Witwatersrand

South Africa

AI/new tools, Candida, Cryptococcus, Patient cohorts

Mycology opportunist infections in Advanced HIV disease such as cyptococossis

A dedicated research clinician at WITS Mycology, Juliet is passionate about improving sexual and reproductive health in Africa. Her work primarily focuses on clinical trials for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, exploring vaccines, oral medications, and injectables for prevention and treatment. With a strong emphasis on maternal health and adolescent and young people’s health, Juliet is committed to making a positive impact on the region’s healthcare landscape. She holds an MBCHB from the University of Pretoria and MPH from the University of Witwatersrand

Pooja

Padmakumar

PhD Student

Academia

University of Wales, Bangor

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education

My research focuses on the dynamics of fungal pathogens and antifungal resistance (AFR) genes within wastewater and environmental settings. This includes studying the prevalence of AFR genes and pathogenic fungi in environmental reservoirs using both culture-based and molecular diagnostic techniques. I aim to develop standardized methods for monitoring fungal outbreaks, particularly through wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a surveillance tool. Additionally, I also explore how wastewater discharge influences environmental reservoirs and the spread of resistant strains and aim to leverage genomic approaches to enhance fungal surveillance and facilitate large-scale monitoring of pathogen levels within communities using WBE.

As a doctoral researcher at Bangor University, I am currently investigating the dynamics of fungal pathogens and the prevalence of antifungal resistance (AFR) genes in wastewater and environmental reservoirs. My research uses a combination of culture-based and molecular diagnostic techniques to explore the spread of AFR genes and pathogenic fungi within environmental systems, with a particular focus on Candida species. I am also developing standardized methodologies for monitoring fungal outbreaks using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a surveillance tool, to assess the role of wastewater networks in the dissemination of resistant strains.

My work integrates genomic approaches to enable large-scale, community-level monitoring of fungal pathogens, aiming to facilitate more efficient surveillance and early detection of outbreaks. This research is critical for improving public health response strategies, particularly as antifungal resistance continues to rise globally. I am particularly interested in collaborating with other researchers working on environmental microbiology, genomics, and surveillance technologies, and I am keen to contribute to the development of innovative tools for pathogen monitoring and outbreak prevention.

Christine

Akoru

Head Microbiology Laboratory

Academia

Moi University

Kenya

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Lateral Flow test, Patient engagement

My main research interest is on AMR in both bacteria and fungi. These have been my main field of interest as it informs my daily work activities and also to address the gaps and challenges in detection of invasive fungal infections due to their slow growth in culture conventional methods The main objective research interest is focused on increasing burden of invasive fungal infections which are now a public health threat globally due to drug resistance. The study aims to find out the prevalence of invasive fungal infections using rapid diagnostic tests for early management and determination in their susceptibility patterns.

Publications
1. Prevalence and Susceptibility of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Open Journal of Medical Microbiology Vol.06 (2016) 18 March.
C. Akoru,RT Kuremu,SK Ndege,A obala, James W. Smith, M. Bartlett
2. Survey of fecal parasites in patients from Western Kenya. Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 2002. 32, (1): p. 1-7.
Presentations
A. Ngindu, K. Kamar, A. Choge, A. Martim, C. Akoru, L. Diero, J. Smith, M. Bartlett
3. Bronchoalveolar lavge for Diagnosis of infections in AIDS patients in Eldoret Kenya. International journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2002. 6(10):p. S86.
Diero, L., Akoru, C., Buziba, N., Kakai, R., and Carte, J.m et al
3. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in Aids patients related pulmonary infiltrates in Western Kenya . American journal of Respiratory and critical care Medicine, 2003. 167: p. A577.
Diero, L., Buziba,N., Kakai, R., Akoru, C., Smith, J. et al.
Tuberculosis Laboratory QA/QC A Critical Program Factor. 38th union world conference on Lung Health, Paris, France, October,2005

Jamie

Pillaye

External Engagement Coordinator

Academia

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Industry engagement, Vaccine development, Working with industry

BactiVac, the Bacterial Vaccines Networks, mission is to advance vaccine development against global bacterial infections in humans and animals through a One Health approach, to reduce disease, death, and antimicrobial resistance, and thereby enhance economic development.

BactiVac brings together over 2100 members in 92 countries from academia, industry, policymakers and funders from high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). BactiVac supports bacterial vaccine development through Catalyst Project Awards, and Catalyst Training Awards. This funding targets bottlenecks and capacity-building in bacterial vaccinology, particularly among LMIC early career researchers.

Jamie obtained her PhD degree from the University of Birmingham which focused primarily on investigating Maternal Vaccination strategies against pneumococcal infection.

Jamie joined BactiVac, the Bacterial Vaccines Network, in February 2024 and leads on the development, planning and implementation of the BactiVac Network’s strategy for external engagement and advocacy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pillaye-33722b100/

Ricardo

Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira

Professor

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education

My research is focused on prebiotic, probiotic bacteria, and the production of microbial biomolecules, including antimicrobial peptides
Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JI_I3vEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR&oi=sra
ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ricardo-Oliveira-30/research

Dr. Ricardo Pinheiro is a professor at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil, where he currently serves as the Head of the Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology (FCF-USP). He has coordinated several research grants from both Brazilian and international funding agencies and he has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in the field of prebiotic, probiotic bacteria and antimicrobial peptides.

Cindy

Mazariegos

Biological chemist

Asociacion de Salud Integral

Guatemala

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

The research that interests me is related to laboratory methodologies and/or techniques for microbial diagnosis and pathogenesis.

I am a biological chemist with a master’s degree in quality management. I have worked as a professional analyst performing manual and automated molecular tests. I have also been a clinical laboratory coordinator, supervisor of technical staff, reporting and validating results, and have experience in the management, calibration, and control of diagnostic testing equipment in various areas: serology, immunology, molecular biology, hematology, and microbiology.

As my professional experience has increased, I have discovered that I am a person who learns easily and enjoys sharing my knowledge.

Dr.

Adewuyi

Adegbite

Postdoctoral Researcher

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

AI/new tools

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of the Free State, with a Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), and computational modeling. My research interests center on applying these computational techniques to address pressing healthcare challenges, particularly in the context of medical mycology and antifungal resistance in LMICs.

My expertise in machine learning and numerical computation, honed through projects like the computational modeling of the Yoruba Aroko Communication system, equips me to develop predictive models for antifungal resistance patterns and diagnostic tools for fungal infections. I am keen to leverage AI to analyze complex datasets and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Additionally, my work in NLP and large language models (LLMs), including my current postdoctoral research on AI-generated code detection, positions me to explore innovative applications in medical mycology. These include processing multilingual clinical data or scientific literature to uncover AFR trends and automating research tasks for resource-limited settings. My experience in developing software solutions, such as the Yoruba Aroko Communication Application, also drives my interest in creating innovative platforms that are accessible, and affordable tools tailored to LMIC healthcare needs, such as antifungal susceptibility prediction software.

I am passionate about contributing to the FAILSAFE network’s One Health approach by modeling environmental and animal health factors linked to AFR. I also aim to collaborate with industry and academic partners to translate computational innovations into practical, context-specific solutions, enhancing research and healthcare outcomes in LMICs.

Dr. Adéwuyì Adégbìtẹ́ is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow hosted by Prof. Eduan Kotze in the Department of Computer Science and Informatics at University of the Free State. With a passion for thorough research work, Dr. Adéwuyì Adégbìtẹ́ specializes in Natural Language Processing, Text Mining, Speech Synthesis and Numerical Computation. Dr. Adéwuyì Adégbìtẹ́ obtained his Ph.D. in Intelligence Systems Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria in the year 2023. The research interests encompass providing a computational model for one of the African language communication system.
Dr. Adéwuyì Adégbìtẹ́ has some published peer-reviewed articles and contributed to conferences with a chapter in a book to his record. In addition to research endeavours, Dr. Adéwuyì Adégbìtẹ́ is committed to teaching and mentoring, as he is a lecturer in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. He strive to inspire the upcoming generation of scholars and foster a culture of doggedness, industriousness within the academic community.
Dr. Adéwuyì Adégbìtẹ́ welcomes collaborations and opportunities to engage with fellow researchers, students, and industry partners and can be reached through 2027020409@ufs.ac.za or adewuyi.adegbite@gmail.com

Emer

Hickey

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Horsnell Group at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. I investigate how maternal immunity shapes infection risk in offspring and how the gut-vaginal/organ axis influences responses to fungal, parasitic, bacterial, and viral pathogens. My work bridges immunology and microbial interactions, uncovering how our bodies and microbes communicate across systems.

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/37353-emer-hickey

Alison

Gifford

MRC Clinical PhD Fellow

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Patient cohorts

Paediatric cryptococcosis.
Global Health

I am a Paediatric Specialty Trainee with an interest in Global Health and Neurology. I am currently undertaking an MRC Clinical PhD at the University of Exeter on Paediatric Cryptococcosis.

Maria Eugenia

Caal

Medical Researcher

Asociacion de Salud Integral

Guatemala

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient engagement

As part of the team of Asociación de Salud Integral, my main interest is in research and education on HIV and related diseases, specially opportunistic infections (OI).

I am a 44 year-old physician, specialist in Internal Medicine and Research, by Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. My work experience includes: Attending Physician at Clínica Familiar “Luis Ángel García”, Hospital General San Juan de Dios and Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social. My current position is Medical Researcher at Asociación de Salud Integral.

PhD

Daniel

Zamith Miranda

Research Assistant Professor

Academia

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Virulence factors

https://einsteinmed.edu/faculty/14985/daniel-zamith-miranda

My interests include host-pathogen interaction, fungal extracellular vesicles and immune response against pathogenic fungi.

I have been studying pathogenic fungi and their interactions with the host. In the Nosanchuk Lab we are interested in the mechanisms by which pathogenic fungi promote disease, and how the host reacts when challenged with them. Among the disease-promoting mechanisms employed by fungi, we have a particular interest in extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by these cells, and how they impact the immune response. Our experience shows that the release of EVs by each fungal organism elicits distinct responses in the host, ranging from stimulation to suppression.

M.Sc.

Oscar

Bonilla

Researcher

Asociacion de Salud Integral, Hospital General San Juan De Dios

Guatemala

AI/new tools, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

I am a public health researcher with expertise in infectious diseases, particularly HIV, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and tuberculosis. With a master’s degree in Microbiology Applied to Public Health, my work focuses on identifying risk factors and improving diagnostic tools to strengthen public health responses. I am committed to advancing impactful research and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in global health.

Research profiles:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oscar-Bonilla-4
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57216301217
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4227-3632

I am a public health researcher with a master’s degree in Microbiology Applied to Public Health and Infectious Diseases from the University of Alcalá, Spain. My work is focused on infectious diseases, particularly HIV, and opportunistic infections such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and tuberculosis. I currently coordinate the Research and Development Unit at the Clínica Familiar “Luis Ángel García” in Guatemala, where I lead and support studies to improve diagnostic tools, identify risk factors, and reduce mortality in vulnerable populations.

I have experience in epidemiological analysis and using statistical and geospatial tools such as R, SPSS, Epi Info, and ArcGIS. My research interests also include the integration of digital health and artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. I am committed to collaborative, multidisciplinary research that contributes to strengthening health systems and generating a real impact on public health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Qinxi

Postdoctoral research fellow

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Virulence factors

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/34780-qinxi-ma

Dr.

Adriana Marcela

Celis Ramírez

Associated Professor, Researcher

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Colombia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

My studies in medical mycology focused on fungal-host interaction, diagnosis, sensitivity to antifungal compounds, search for new therapeutic candidates, and application of omics tools, with a particular interest in lipidomics and volatolomic.
During the last few years, I have been working tackel the One Health Initiative to connect the environment and human and animal health to advance in knowledge to conduct solutions through finding potential markers to make a diagnosis, to propose new molecules to perform efficient treatments, and identifying resistance and mechanisms that negatively impact the patient’s scenarios.
I am particularly researching Malassezia yeast, which is part of the human and animal microbiota, looking for clues about its commensal, opportunistic, and pathogenic role. This yeast is related to dermatological diseases, fungemia, and chronic diseases such as cancer. It has also been linked to zoonosis through animal transmission to humans and associated with marine and soil environments, among other environments.
Besides, I am advancing in the studies of fusaroids (Neocosmospora and Fusarium), connecting the trans-kingdom role. Infections by these fungi are increasing, and we need a whole vision about tackling this. These fungi affect plants, making them a relevant threat to many crops needed to sustain the feeding of the world population. Neocosmospora and Fusarium also cause deadly infections in humans, chronic superficial mycoses, and keratitis that could lead to patients’ blindness. Animals are now the focus of research because of the threat these fungi pose to turtles sum and their problem in conservation.
I also collaborate with mycologist colleagues in Colombia and other countries interested in studying other fungal species.

Master in Biological Sciences from the University of the Andes and Doctor in Life Sciences from the University of Utrecht (Netherlands). Associate Professor and director of the Cellular and Molecular Research Group on Pathogenic Microorganisms (CeMoP) of the Department of Biological Sciences of the Universidad de los Andes. My studies in medical micrology are focused on fungal-host interaction, diagnosis, sensitivity to antifungal compounds, search for new therapeutic candidates, and application of omics tools with particular interest in lipidomics.

Kyla

Murphy

Research Clinician

Academia

University of Cape Town, WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

I am a clinical trialist with an interest in infectious diseases, particularly advanced HIV and associated opportunistic infections. My research experience over the last 10 years has been primarily in TB (particularly drug-resistant) and cryptococcosis including meningitis and antigenaemia. I was a sub-investigator on the AMBITION-cm clinical trial and am currently lead clinician on the EFFECT clinical trial ( ISRCTN30579828) through Wits Mycology Division. I have a joint honorary appointment at the University of Cape Town where I am a site principal investigator on several studies, and a member of the UCT Neuroscience Institute.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3338-5862
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kyla-Comins
https://witsmycology.co.za/projects/EFFECT/index.html

I am a clinical investigator with experience in industry and academic trials. I have experience in clinical management of primary healthcare outpatients, as well as secondary and tertiary hospitalized inpatients, with HIV and related infections. My research areas of interest have been tuberculosis and cryptococcal infection. I have worked closely with and embedded in the routine healthcare service and aim to bridge the gap between research and clinical guidelines and practice.
In my role as Site PI at UCT, I manage a small team and insist on a high standard of patient care, record keeping and data collection in line with GCP principles. In my role as Lead Clinician on the EFFECT trial, I am responsible for pharmacovigilance and participant safety, as well as development and management of the trial database and site monitoring. I have extensive experience in the administrative requirements of conducting a clinical trial including protocol development, SOP writing and implementation, as well as engagement with Department of Health, various Research Ethics Committees and SAHPRA.
I am hoping to expand my scope to include basic sciences, particularly laboratory immunological research.

https://neuroscience.uct.ac.za/contacts/kyla-comins

Quynh Mai

Trinh

Project Officer

Academia

The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute

Australia

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Immunology, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Epidemiology and Genomics of Infectious Diseases – with a focus on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and invasive fungal infections in Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam.
Development of Collaborative Data Platforms – designing and implementing the ANZMyc Data Platform for improved fungal disease surveillance, data standardization, and real-time monitoring.
Public Health and Clinical Research – addressing critical gaps in fungal disease burden, antifungal resistance patterns, and treatment outcomes to inform clinical guidelines and public health responses.

Dr. Mai Trinh is an infectious disease microbiologist with expertise in genomics, epidemiology, and data platform development. She holds a PhD in Medicine from The University of Sydney, Australia, specializing in the epidemiology and genomics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in TB/HIV co-infection in Vietnam. With extensive experience in research, database management, and quality management systems, she has contributed to multiple infectious disease surveillance and public health projects.
Dr. Trinh is currently leading efforts in developing the ANZMyc Data Platform, a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing fungal disease surveillance across Australia and New Zealand. This project, in response to WHO’s call for national fungal disease registries, seeks to improve data standardization, real-time monitoring, and clinical decision-making for serious mycoses.
Her research focuses on infectious disease epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and the application of data science in public health. She works closely with healthcare institutions, researchers, and policymakers to facilitate collaborative data-sharing and evidence-based clinical practice.
Dr. Trinh is keen to engage with fellow FAILSAFE members and potential collaborators to advance infectious disease research, public health interventions, and global health initiatives.

Professor

Paula

Sampaio

Associated Professor

Academia

Universidade do Minho

Portugal

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Omics, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

The research interests of Paula Sampaio focus on fungal infections and host-fungi interactions in a One Health context. Her work addresses challenges in mycology, particularly limitations in identification of clinical and environmental pathogenic fungi, the emergence and mechanisms of antifungal resistance, and innovative antifungal strategies to overcome the limited options currently available.

Paula Sampaio is a researcher at the Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA). She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Coimbra and her PhD at the University of Minho.
Presently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Minho and holds various administrative roles, including Director of the doctoral program in Molecular and Environmental Biology and Co-Director and Member of the Steering Committee of the Department of Biology at this university.
The research group led by Paula Sampaio focuses on fungal infections and the interaction between fungi and hosts, dedicated to studying issues related to limitations in the identification methods of pathogenic relevant fungal agents, the emergence of resistant species, and the limited availability of anti-fungal therapies. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1415-4428.

MSc

Maria Valentina

Bedoya Florez

Researcher

Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Colombia

Colombia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on the discovery and evaluation of novel antifungal compounds. I have experience in in vivo and in vitro studies, particularly assessing the antifungal activity of metal-based compounds. Currently, I am involved in projects investigating new therapeutic molecules and developing electrochemical immunosensors for the diagnosis of fungal infections.

I was born in Medellín in 1997 and graduated as a bacteriologist in 2018. In 2022, I obtained my master’s degree in biology, focusing on the evaluation of antifungal compounds. Since 2019, I have been part of the Medical and Experimental Mycology research group, where I have contributed to projects related to fungal infections and novel therapeutic approaches.

Currently, I am a research assistant in a project that received a grant from Failsafe, where I am involved in the development and evaluation of new antifungal strategies. My research interests include antifungal drug discovery, electrochemical biosensors, and infectious disease diagnostics.

Patindoilba Marcel

SAWADOGO

Teacher

Academia

Université de Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

I am a university hospital professor at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. I also practice at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital. I work on emerging mycoses in our country and also on antifungal resistance. Our work aims to monitor the epidemiology of emerging mycoses, preserve the effectiveness of available antifungals, and research new antifungal molecules as an alternative solution.

1. [Aspects épidémiologiques des mycoses cutanéo-phanériennes chez les patients infectés par le VIH au Centre national de référence du Burkina Faso, Afrique de l’Ouest]
2.In vitro susceptibility of Candida albicans clinical isolates to eight antifungal agents in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso
3. 25S rDNA genotype and antifungal susceptibility of clinical Candida albicans in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)]
4. Genetic Mutations Conferring Resistance to Candida albicans to Antifungal drugs: A Global Perspective and Regional Implications
5. First case report of Talaromyces marneffei infection in HIV-infected patient in the city of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
6. Genotype Analysis of Clinical Candida albicans Isolates Using PCRs Targeting 25S rDNA and ALT Repeat Sequences of the RPS and Antifungal Susceptibility in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
7. Evaluation of the Sporicidal Effect of Glutaraldehyde used at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital Center on three Species of the Genus Aspergillus
8. Epidemiological, clinical,diagnostic, and therapeutic features of histoplasmosis: A systematic review
9. Prévalence des dermatophytes au service de Parasitologie-Mycologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado OUEDRAOGO, Burkina Faso

Tara

Hameed

Research Associate

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Combination therapies, Immunotherapies

In my research I use mathematical and statistical modelling to investigate novel treatments, such as immunotherapies or antifungal drugs, for life-threatening fungal infections. I develop Bayesian mechanistic models using time-course data that quantify and compare fungal growth in different experimental conditions. The models are targeted towards quantifying antifungal drug action and locating potential drug synergy.

Staff profile page: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/tara.hameed17

I am a Research Associate in Prof. Reiko Tanaka’s Biological Systems and Control Lab at Imperial College London. I started my research path after I completed a Mathematics degree (BSc) at the University of Warwick and took up a position on the Theoretical Systems Biology and Bioinformatics 4-year PhD programme, funded by the Wellcome Trust, at Imperial College London. The programme benefited me with a year of interdisciplinary training (MSc in Bioinformatics and Theoretical Systems Biology) before I completed my PhD in the Department of Bioengineering under the supervision of Prof. Reiko Tanaka. The focus of my PhD was computational modelling of Interferon Gamma as a potential immunotherapy for Invasive Aspergillosis. Following my PhD, I began my current Research Associate position.

Professor

Reiko

Tanaka

Professor

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Combination therapies

Mathematical modelling, AI.
https://www.rtanakagroup.com/

Our research aims to understand the design principles of biological control systems. What are the key regulatory mechanisms for human life and holobionts – amalgams of multicellular hosts and their microbial passengers? We develop and apply computational/mathematical tools, including mechanistic modelling, statistical modelling, AI, machine learning, and computer vision, to achieve this ambitious goal. The ability of biological control systems far exceeds that of many conventionally designed engineering systems. An intrinsic understanding of the essential design principles of biological control systems may require new notions and a new theory for biological control. We are specifically interested in the roles of the epithelial barrier, the interface between a host and environment, in several diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma and lung fungal infection. What are the fundamental regulatory mechanisms whose malfunctioning determines healthy or disease states? How can we predict the behaviour of dynamical systems in disease states? How can we prevent disease and design effective treatment?

Professor Tanaka aims to search for fundamental rules and mechanisms of biological control and to make a decisive contribution to systems medicine and biology. Mathematical modelling from the viewpoint of systems and control engineering allows us to investigate and extract common design principles in diverse systems across the cellular, tissue, organ and behavioural levels. Since most diseases are caused by malfunctioning of various regulatory mechanisms, understanding common control design principles helps to identify key mechanisms to investigate and propose and answer clinically/biologically relevant questions that could not even be posed without it. For the details of her recent research, please see the Tanaka Group website https://www.rtanakagroup.com. Professor Tanaka has experience in multi-disciplinary research and education environments in research organisations in several countries. After she obtained her PhD from the Department of Mathematical Engineering and Information Physics, University of Tokyo, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Physico-Informatics, Keio University. With her strong interest in the new area of systems biology, she obtained a fellowship from JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) to join Professor John Doyle’s group at the California Institute of Technology as a Visiting Associate. Since then she has been working in the area of systems biology from the systems and control viewpoint. Before joining Imperial, she was a research scientist in the Biological Control Systems lab. in RIKEN.

https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/r.tanaka

Doctor

Sarah

Kimuda

Research Medical Officer

Academia

Makerere University

Uganda

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Cryptococcus, Virulence factors

My research focuses on advancing the understanding of meningitis, in patients with HIV co-infection and those without, with a particular emphasis on Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM) and Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM). I am currently conducting a study to compare the baseline characteristics and outcomes of TBM in individuals with HIV co-infection and those without.My research seeks to enhance scientific understanding of the pathophysiological differences in Tuberculous meningitis based on HIV status, with the goal of refining treatment protocols and improving patient outcomes. In addition to my work on TBM, I am investigating the role of point-of-care ultrasound in the management of both Tuberculous and Cryptococcal meningitis, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical management. Furthermore, I am exploring the challenges posed by fluconazole resistance in Cryptococcal meningitis and evaluating alternative antifungal therapies.I am part of a research group evaluating the efficacy of various novel antifungals in a PLATFORM clinical trial.

Dr. Sarah N. Kimuda is a Research Medical Officer with the Meningitis Research group at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University. Her role encompasses participant recruitment, data collection, clinical management of study subjects, and scientific writing. She specializes in point-of-care ultrasound and advanced life support, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes for critically ill patients. Dr. Kimuda has authored significant publications on the management of tuberculous and cryptococcal meningitis and is a certified instructor in Advanced Life Support. Her contributions to the research team have enhanced the care of critically ill meningitis patients, particularly in the context of advanced HIV disease.

Prof.

Mohammed A.

El-Kholy

Associate Professor, Microbiology and Biotechnology Department, Clinical and Biological Sciences, Division, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT).

Academia

Arab Academy for Science & Technology

Egypt

My primary research focus is medical mycology, particularly the characterization of antifungal resistance mechanisms, virulence factors, and genetic diversity in human fungal pathogens. I have extensively studied clinical isolates of Candida species, including the multidrug-resistant Candida auris and Candida tropicalis, as well as dermatophytes such as Trichophyton indotineae. My research has aimed to unravel the molecular underpinnings of antifungal resistance and pathogenesis through genotyping approaches, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, and protein-based characterization techniques such as MALDI-TOF MS.

A key highlight of my work is the identification of the first documented case of Candida auris bloodstream infection in Egypt, which underscored the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic strategies and resistance surveillance. Additionally, I have contributed to the molecular characterization of azole-resistant Candida tropicalis, focusing on the role of efflux pumps, ergosterol biosynthesis pathway mutations, and other genetic determinants.

My current interests include studying extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion in Cryptococcus neoformans, as EVs play a crucial role in fungal communication, virulence, and antifungal drug resistance. I am particularly intrigued by the structural and functional analysis of the fungal cell wall and capsule in relation to host-pathogen interactions. The application of cutting-edge imaging techniques such as Cryo-EM and advanced molecular tools to study fungal pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms is an area I aim to expand further.

Long-term, my goal is to contribute to the development of novel antifungal therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools. Given the increasing global burden of fungal infections and their rising resistance to existing treatments, my research seeks to bridge gaps in understanding fungal pathogenicity and resistance at both molecular and cellular levels.

Dr. Mohammed A. El-Kholy is an Associate Professor in the Microbiology and Biotechnology Department at the College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Alexandria, Egypt. He earned his BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2008), MSc (2013), and PhD (2016) in Diagnostic and Molecular Microbiology from Alexandria University, focusing on azole resistance mechanisms and virulence factors in Candida tropicalis.

With over a decade of academic and research experience, Dr. El-Kholy has made significant contributions to the field of medical mycology. His research has centered on antifungal resistance, fungal genotyping, and host-pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on Candida species and emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens. His studies have provided critical insights into antifungal susceptibility profiles, virulence determinants, and molecular epidemiology, which are instrumental in guiding treatment strategies.

Dr. El-Kholy has collaborated with international research teams in the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain, contributing to publications on fungal resistance mechanisms and genetic diversity. Notably, he was among the first researchers in Egypt to identify Trichophyton indotineae, a dermatophyte species associated with terbinafine resistance, highlighting his role in advancing fungal diagnostics and epidemiology in the region.

He has presented his research at prestigious conferences, including ASM Microbe and ECCMID, and is an active member of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) and the American Society of Microbiology (ASM). His commitment to excellence in mycological research extends to mentoring young scientists and leading academic initiatives to enhance fungal diagnostics and resistance surveillance.

Dr. El-Kholy’s long-term research vision is to integrate molecular and proteomic tools to better understand fungal pathogenesis and antifungal resistance, ultimately contributing to the development of novel antifungal therapeutics and diagnostic approaches.

Dra

Helena

Schirmer

Associate Professor

Academia

Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Omics, One Health and Education, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Working with industry

A few years ago, the Molecular Mycology research line was established at the university. The purpose of this group is to work with molecular techniques that can be useful for the diagnosis of fungal infections and feasible for implementation in low-income healthcare services and countries. Since then, in addition to PCR, we have been working on the validation of the LAMP technique for fungal identification from cultures and for diagnosis from biological samples. Additionally, we are studying the antifungal susceptibility profile of molds to identify potential resistant isolates and to perform the molecular identification of isolates from clinical and environmental samples. As a professor, I strive to engage students in the importance of clinical mycology. The topics of One Health and education are extremely important to be included in this discussion.

Since 2014, I have been an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), the only federal university in Brazil specializing in health. Throughout this journey, I have been involved in academic management activities. However, since 2021, I have primarily focused my efforts on research development at UFCSPA. I started participating in the Molecular Mycology group at UFCSPA, where we have been developing research in the field, focusing on cost-effective techniques for routine implementation.
In the field of mycology, I have participated in various conferences and specialized courses, with particular emphasis on the Medical Mycology course at the Pasteur Institute. In 2022, I had the opportunity to take part in a professional development mission at the Dr. Ricardo Jorge National Institute of Health, where I worked both in routine diagnostics and in research on antifungal resistance. This international experience enhanced my skills in the field and led to the publication of the article “Prevalence of T. rubrum and T. interdigitale Exhibiting High MICs to Terbinafine in Clinical Samples Analyzed in the Portuguese Mycology Reference Laboratory.”
Additionally, it strengthened my expertise in the field and broadened my perspective on the challenges faced in diagnosing and treating fungal infections, fostering research development at UFCSPA in collaboration with other researchers at the institution, as well as an international partnership with a researcher from the University of Lisbon. It also improved my skills in fungal infection diagnostics and antifungal susceptibility testing, leading to another publication.
From 2022 to 2023, in partnership with Professor Cecília Bittencourt Severo, I coordinated an ECHO Project in mycology, aimed at promoting online meetings for peer discussions of clinical cases. This project helped establish a network of professionals specializing in mycological diagnostics.

Hendrik

Steyn

Ph.D. Student

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research focuses on elucidating the antifungal mode of action of supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles (SSAs). This library of amphiphilic molecules has demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against clinically relevant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and has been shown to inhibit biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, both classified as critical priority pathogens by the World Health Organisation. Additionally, my research is driven by the need to mitigate antifungal resistance and develop novel therapeutic strategies. I am particularly interested in applying these insights within a One Health framework to address microbial resistance across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. By exploring antifungal alternatives and enhancing currently available antifungal agents, my goal is to circumvent resistance and contribute to the development of sustainable, effective antimicrobial interventions.

I am a Ph.D. candidate in microbiology with a strong interest in antifungal resistance and novel therapeutic development. My research focuses on supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles (SSAs), a class of amphiphilic molecules with demonstrated antimicrobial activity. By employing transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, I aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying SSA-mediated antifungal action, particularly against Candida albicans and other clinically significant pathogens. My work embraces a One Health approach to microbial resistance, integrating interdisciplinary strategies to explore antifungal alternatives and optimise drug formulations. Through collaborations with researchers in supramolecular chemistry, cancer biology, and computational modelling, I am investigating structure-activity relationships to enhance the therapeutic potential of SSAs. I have expertise in RNA-Seq, differential protein analysis, mass spectrometry, ToF-SIMS, NanoSAM, and microscopy techniques (SEM and CLSM). My research has led to international collaborations, presentations at conferences such as the Canadian Fungal Network (CanFunNet) and South African Society for Microbiology (SASM), and publications in ACS Omega and ChemRxiv. I am eager to connect with researchers working in antifungal drug discovery, resistance mechanisms, and interdisciplinary antimicrobial research. I also welcome opportunities for postdoctoral collaborations where I can apply my expertise to advancing novel antifungal strategies.

Neriman

Yilmaz

Senior Lecturer

Academia

University of Pretoria

South Africa

Microbial Pathogenesis, Other spp.

My research as a mycologist focuses on improving food safety by studying fungi that produce mycotoxins—harmful compounds that spoil crops and pose serious risks to human and animal health. I use advanced methods to identify these fungi and assess their impacts, uncovering a complex diversity of mycotoxins, often a “mycotoxin cocktail,” which underscores the challenge for food safety. I am particularly interested in how environmental factors and climate change drive mycotoxin production and contribute to the spread of fungi, with the goal of developing sustainable strategies to reduce contamination, especially in developing countries where food security is vulnerable.
Currently, I am a senior lecturer at FABI-UP, where I train future scientists in mycology with a focus on agricultural pathogens, such as Fusarium, that threaten crop safety. Recently, I’ve been working on quick detection techniques for these pathogens and exploring the genes responsible for mycotoxin production. I also contribute to the disease clinic by assisting with pathogen identifications and sharing knowledge with farmers to support proactive measures against contamination.

I serve as the Secretary of the African Mycological Association, which allows me to engage closely with African mycologists and highlight the unique challenges and opportunities in the region. Engaging with African mycologists is crucial, as the continent faces distinct ecological and agricultural challenges, making local expertise and collaborative efforts essential for addressing mycotoxin-related threats effectively.

In addition to my research, I am passionate about science communication. I lead a Citizen Science project in South Africa, introducing young people to the fascinating world of fungi to inspire a new generation of scientists and mycologists.

https://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/index.php/people-profile?profile=1296

I am a fungal taxonomist and senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s Microbiology Department, based at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI). I completed my PhD in 2015 at Utrecht University and the Westerdijk Institute, specializing in Talaromyces taxonomy, followed by postdoctoral research in Canada on house dust fungal diversity through the SLOAN Project. In 2018, I joined FABI as a postdoctoral researcher and was appointed as a senior lecturer in May 2024.

My research focuses on identifying and controlling fungi responsible for mycotoxin production, characterizing toxin-encoding gene clusters, and addressing food insecurity in South Africa. I hold a National Research Foundation Y2 rating and have authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals like Studies in Mycology and Persoonia. My work has secured national and international grants, including funding from MSCA-RISE and the NRF.

I am the founding secretary of the African Mycological Association (AfriMA) and actively promote women in science. I also engage in science outreach through “Fungi for Future”. My research and advocacy contribute to food security and sustainable economic practices in Africa.

Maahir

Kauchali

PhD student

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Monitoring transmission

We are currently investigating the neuroimmune response to cryptococcal infection. Specifically, we are looking into how the peripheral immune system impacts brain injury and neuroinflammation during cryptococcal infection.

I am passionate South African scientist looking to broaden my knowledge in neuroinfections and neuroimmunology. I love working in group settings and experiencing new environments and points of view. I love travelling and one of my favourite hobbies is trying new foods. I enjoy my time in the outdoors so I try to play sports or take walks around the mountain in Cape Town. I am always ready for an adventure, nothing is too far or difficult to try.

Prof

Raquel Filipa Pinheiro

Sabino

Assistant Professor

Academia

Universidade de Lisboa

Portugal

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Sporothrix

ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6585-7775

Raquel Sabino graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Lisbon and with a PhD in Biological Sciences, Mycology by Minho University. She developed her post-doctoral studies in molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus, in collaboration with Stanford University and California Institute of Medical Research, California. Dr Sabino developed her research work at the Reference Unit for Parasitic and Fungal Infections at National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge during 23 years and she is now Mycology Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon. Her major field of study is diagnosis, surveillance and molecular epidemiology of fungal infections. She has several publications and communications in these areas of expertise, namely scientific papers published in international and national peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and she is also co-editor of two books in the field of mycology. She is also a lecturer and Chair in national and international conferences, workshops and scientific meetings. Prof. Sabino is board member of the journal Medical Mycology, and she is reviewer of a broad number of journals in the field of microbiology, mycology and infectious diseases.
Prof. Sabino is the President of the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology, the Portuguese Ambassador of the international organization GAFFI – Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections and member of several ECMM/ISHAM working groups.

Mrs

Ana Caroline

Colombo

Research Manager

CMM LATAM Unit

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Working with industry

The CMM LATAM Unit is based in São Paulo, Brazil, a Latin American region that has a strong record of medical mycology research.
The CMM LATAM Unit started in 2023 with the founding of the Management Board consisting of Arnaldo Colombo, Elaine Bignell, Gordon Brown, Carlos Tarborda, Sandro Almeida, and Fausto Almeida, and officially launched on 16th September 2024 at the University of São Paulo. Underpinned by a £1 million investment from the University of Exeter, the Unit will establish a sustainable, skilled and integrated taskforce to support research, training and public health against endemic mycoses in Latin America.

The aims of the CMM LATAM Unit are: To increase training in medical mycology, to disseminate knowledge of fungal diagnostics and therapeutics amongst health care workers, and to increase public awareness of the impact of human fungal infections in Latin America.

The CMM LATAM Unit will address five main themes:

The first will focus on host-pathogen interactions, with a view to developing vaccines and alternative therapies to control fungal infections and combat antifungal drug resistance.

The second will identify new biomarkers of fungal infections to develop new improved diagnostic tools.

The third theme will address the natural history and clinical management of fungal infections. For example, epidemiological data describing the emergence of Paracoccidioides and Sporothrix infections will be collected, new state-of-the-art research tools developed, and data gathered on the emergence of antifungal drug resistance and the validation of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The fourth theme will be to create strong interdisciplinary clinical and research networks to accelerate progress in improving health against fungal infections in Latin America.

The final theme addresses capacity building and public engagement.

CMM LATAM Unit: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/medicalmycology/internationalunits/cmm-latam-unit/

I am the Research Manager of the CMM LATAM Unit and my work is to ensure the delivery of the Unit’s aims: “To establish a sustainable, skilled and integrated taskforce to support research, training and public health against endemic mycoses in Latin America.”

I earned an undergraduate degree in Biology (São Paulo State University – Unesp, Botucatu, Brazil), a master’s degree in Psychobiology (University of São Paulo – USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil) and a PhD in Biochemistry (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). During my academic endeavours, my scientific research spanned from animal behaviour and neuroscience to Cryptococcus infection and extracellular vesicles.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/acarolcolombo

Dr.

Niklas

Beyersdorf

Lab Head

Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Germany

Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunotherapies

https://www.virologie.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/immunobiology/immunobiological-lab-groups/research-group-niklas-beyersdorf/projects/

The group focuses on the so-called co-stimulation of T cells and the regulation of immune responses. The aim of our work is to identify novel immunotherapeutic approaches for malignancies like leukemia, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Currently we are trying to answer the following questions:

CD28-mediated co-stimulation:

· Is CD28-mediated co-stimulation a suitable ‘target’ to improve cancer therapy?

· Can CD28-mediated co-stimulation be exploited to achieve therapeutic ‘regprogramming’ of CD4⁺ T helper cells, e.g. in patients suffering from an autoimmune disease?

Immunocardiology:

· What triggers the development of autoantibodies against the b1-adrenergic receptor which are believed to be able to induce heart failure in humans?

· Can the therapeutic activation of CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells improve wound healing after myocardial infarction?

Infectious diseases:

· How do secreted proteins of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans influence T cell responses against fungus?

· Which role do sphingolipids play in the function of T cells and the control of measles virus infections in the central nervous system?

After previously focussing on autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy, I have been working intensively on projects related to infection biology since 2013. In the context of the collaborative research centre 124 ‘FungiNET’ funded by the German Research Council (DFG) I studied, together with Prof. Peter Zipfel and his team at the Hans Knöll Leibniz Institute in Jena, the interaction of secreted proteins of Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans with T and B cells of mice and humans. We also generated monoclonal antibodies against promising candidates of both fungi which we are currently developing further for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Apart from fungal infections my research into infection biology also compriseds anti-viral immunity. Here, the focus is on the role of sphingolipid metabolism in different T cell subsets and effector function.

Davor Nicolas

Martinovic

Microbiologist

Academia

Hospital Rawson

Argentina

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Lateral Flow test, Omics

I´m mainly interested in Antifungal susceptibility and AFR

Biochemist specializing in bacteriology at the Microbiology Laboratory of Rawson Hospital. Head of the Antimicrobial and Mycobacteria sections. Professor at the institution’s Clinical Microbiology Residency. Institutional representative in the WHONET Argentina Network, responsible for the surveillance and communication of antimicrobial resistance at the local, regional, and national levels. Responsible for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and mycobacteriosis. Provincial representative in the microbiological diagnosis of leprosy. Experience in automated rapid diagnostic technology for conventional, molecular, and proteomics (MALDI-TOF). Teaching instructor for candidates for the Bacteriology Specialty Program at the National University of Córdoba and the Professional College of Biochemical Sciences of Córdoba.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davor-nicol%C3%A1s-martinovic-63b3844a/

Liliwe

Shuping

Epidemiologist

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Cryptococcus, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Patient cohorts

Research interests in healthcare-associated infections, mycoses and antimicrobial resistance epidemiology, with a focus on high risk populations including neonates, intensive care patients and people living with HIV (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1428-779X).

An epidemiologist with a specialisation in the epidemiology of bacterial and fungal infections, particularly in hospital settings, antimicrobial resistance, and infection control. I possess extensive experience in surveillance, epidemic response, and research within this field. My current work focuses on assessing the relative burden of bacterial and fungal infections in patients living with HIV at the national level. Additionally, I am engaged in observational studies aimed at uncovering the patient-level and environmental factors contributing to the emergence of antifungal resistance in acute care settings.

Dr.

Oscar

Zaragoza

Principal Investigator

Academia

Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)

Spain

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces

Medical Mycology, Antifungal resistance. Fungal virulence. Fungal adaptation to the host.

Dr. Zaragoza (degree in Biology, 1995) carried out his doctoral thesis with Juana María Gancedo (IIB, CSIC, 2000). In parallel, under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Gancedo, he began to investigate pathogenic fungi. In 2001 he joined the laboratory of Dr. Casadevall (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York), where he focused his work on fungal pathogenesis. In 2005 he was granted with a “Ramón y Cajal” contract, and he joined the Mycology Service of the National Center for Microbiology of the ISCIII in 2006. In 2009, he became full staff (Investigador Titular). In 2018 he promoted to the position Scientific Investigator (Investigador Científico) of OPIs, and in 2023, he promoted to the position of Research Professor (Profesor de Investigación de los OPIs). Since 2023, he is the Coordinator of the Mycology Reference Laboratory of the National Centre for Microbiology (ISCIII).

The group works on several parallel lines of research. The first focuses on the mechanisms of adaptation of pathogenic fungi to the host, using the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans as a model and the role of titan cells in the virulence of this pathogen.The other line is focused on mechanisms of action of antifungals, mainly amphotericin B. Recently, we have identified off-patent drugs synergistic with amphotericin B, which opens the door to designing new therapeutic strategies. Finally, the group is also interested in antifungal resistance mechanisms in pathogenic yeasts, with special emphasis on those able to cause clinical outbreaks, such as Candidozyma auris and Candida parapsilosis.

Cecília

Severo

Mycologist and Professor of Mycology and Parasitology

Academia

Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre

Brazil

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My primary research interests lie in medical mycology, with a focus on the laboratory diagnosis of fungal infections, antifungal susceptibility testing, and the development of novel diagnostic techniques that are more accessible, such as LAMP.

I am also involved in research on antifungal resistance and its genomic surveillance.

Additionally, I am committed to the development of education and knowledge on fungal infections within the community, through extension projects and teaching initiatives aimed at improving awareness and understanding.

Currently, I am focused on developing Galleria mellonella as an animal model for testing new antifungal drugs to contribute to the development of more effective treatments for fungal infections.

I am a Pharmacist-Biochemist with a PhD in Pulmonary Sciences and an Associate Professor of Parasitology and Mycology at UFCSPA, Brazil. My expertise lies in microbiology, with a focus on medical mycology, particularly in the laboratory diagnosis of fungal infections and antifungal susceptibility testing. I also have experience in the diagnosis of actinomycoses and mycobacterioses.

I am a member of the research group “Molecular Aspects in the Characterization and Treatment of Multifactorial Diseases,” specializing in Molecular Mycology. I collaborate on national and international projects, including the National Genomic Surveillance Network for Antifungal Resistance (ReNaRAn), the Brazilian Surveillance and Prevention System for Antimicrobial Resistance (VigRAM), and Molecular Innovations in Sporotrichosis: Clinical-Epidemiological, Diagnostic, and Drug Resistance Prediction Applications, in partnership with various institutions.

As head of the UFCSPA Mycology Laboratory, I am expanding the institutional fungal collection to enhance education and research. I am also part of FungiScope, establishing UFCSPA as a reference center for emerging fungal infections, and I lead the ECHO Mycology Project, promoting continuous education on fungal infections.

Additionally, I am committed to developing education and awareness of fungal infections within the community through extension projects and teaching initiatives aimed at improving knowledge, while also strengthening university-community engagement through outreach projects in Parasitology and Mycology.

My current goal is to establish Galleria mellonella as an animal model for testing new antifungal drugs, contributing to the development of innovative treatments for fungal infections.

DAVID

KOFFI

Researcher

Academia

PASTEUR INSITUTE OF COTE D’IVOIRE

Côte d’Ivoire

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My research focus is on Fungal respiratory disease (Aspergillosis, Histoplasmosis, Pneunocytosis) in immunocompromised patients, Fungal-MTB co-infection and immunology to fungal.

David Koffi (Male). PhD an Ivorian, born in 14 February 1982 and educated in Côte d’Ivoire received his Ph.D. in Parasitology and Immunology from the University of Felix Houphouet Boigny of Côte d’Ivoire. David is a young researcher recruited at Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire to develop project in the Mycology Unit in the context of climate change. During his PhD he worked at Institut Pasteur de Lille on immunology of Malaria and showed excellent adaptation to high-tech lab. His Research Interest focuses on fungal diagnostics, Immunity of fungal and parasite diseases, vaccine development, malaria clinical trials, and molecular epidemiology. since 2019 respectively, ambassadors of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) and the Global Action for Fungal Infection (GAFFI). He was Granted a 2021 ESCMID (European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) Observership grant by visiting Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht (Netherlands). He contributed his country data to the GAFFI diagnostic survey completed in 2022 and presented at CPHIA in Kigali in December of that year: https://gaffi.org/africa-diagnostic-reports-2/. He is the Author and Co-author of more than 30 publications in impact factor journals. Recently he participated in the WHO expert group meeting on Fungal Diagnostic (2024).

Geoffrey

Kumwenda

Researcher & Senior Lecturer

Academia

Mzuzu University

Malawi

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=20OXKBcAAAAJ&hl=en

I am a Molecular Epidemiologists from Malawi with a MSc from The University of Hull, England and completing a PhD from Osaka University, Japan. My research focuses manly on the molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial drug resistance and associated molecular mechanisms in gram negative bacteria particularly Enterobacteriaceae. Also partly my work looks at mechanisms behind drug resistance acquisition/dissemination, studying the genetic vehicles driving spread (such as plasmids, transposons, ICEs and integrons) in order to inform novel and effective infection control and prevention measures in the clinical and community settings, especially in low-income countries such as Malawi, Thailand and Myanmar.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-peterkins/

Sara

Gago

Lecturer Fungal Disease Biology

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Omics, Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

Molecular mechanisms of fungal disease

Genetic susceptibility factors to fungal disease

New risk factors for fungal disease

Diagnostics

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/sara.gago-2

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/sara.gago-2

Sara Gago is a Lecturer in Fungal Disease Biology with extensive links in the Infectious Diseases clinical community to facilitate clinical translation of research findings. She has over 10 years’ experience in developing experimental models to define host and pathogen factors leading to fungal disease and the molecular tests to detect them. This translational research is globally appreciated as evidenced by contributions to the WHO list of essential medicines, election as vice-president of the International Society of Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM), invitations to present at national and international meetings, consultancy with industry and invitations to editorial boards and grant panels. As an NC3Rs training fellow she described the first host transcription factor that provides a regulatory defence against fungal colonisation of the respiratory airways. More recently, she has built upon her portfolio of innovative assays to define the regulatory role of fungal factors in viral replication within the lung epithelium, which have been pivotal for her appointment as co-infection theme lead in the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) and is the basis of her ongoing research activity.

Her research has continued on an upward trajectory evidenced by high impact publications, awarded grants and extensive research network. Her research outputs have had a significant academic and clinical impact, including contributions to the diagnostic clinical guidelines for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and transference of rapid diagnostic tests to Infectious Diseases units.

MD. Ph.D.

Juan G.

McEwen

Academia

Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Histoplasma, Sporothrix

From the beginning of my medical career I became interested in Medical Mycology. I got involved in research under the tutelage of Prof. Angela Restrepo. Then I decided that I needed additional tryining in research and obtained a Ph.D. in molecular biology. My main scientific focus has been understanding the genetic basis of pathogenicity in dimorphic fungi. For such a purpose I established a laboratory dedicated to studying pathogenic fungi using molecular biology.

Since 1980, I have studied dimorphic fungi, particularly Paracoccidioides spp. After earning my M.D. in 1984, I pursued a Ph.D. in molecular biology at the Weizmann Institute in Israel, completing it in 1991. Upon returning to Colombia, I established a laboratory and directed it for 27 years until 2019. I have dedicated my career to studying dimorphic fungi using molecular biology and more specifically Paracoccidioides spp. Together with my group, we have developed most of the basic molecular tools to study these fungi. Our group was the first to implement techniques such as transformation, gene silencing via asRNA. Additionally, we are involved in evolution studies, including genomic ones, to get a better understanding of the biology and pathogenicity of P. brasiliensis. Most of this work has been carried out in collaboration with international researchers both from USA and Brazil. Recently we have developed cutting-edge technologies like gene knockdown, CRISPR-Cas systems and comparative genomics in human fungal pathogens. Our group also established successful bioinformatics line. I have played a crucial role in mentoring numerous graduate students and researchers, fostering a new generation of scientists equipped with essential skills for research in molecular techniques and bioinformatics.

Dr.

Elizabeth

Misas

Postdoctoral fellow

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA)

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Omics

My background in basic research with non-model organisms has equipped me with the ability to propose innovative solutions for data analysis, particularly in managing large datasets. I possess strong expertise in sequencing data analysis, enabling me to perform critical epidemiological tasks such as identifying common sources of infection, tracking transmission networks, and predicting antimicrobial susceptibility profiles through molecular epidemiology.

During my ORISE-CDC fellowship, I conducted genomic epidemiology and molecular surveillance of healthcare-associated fungal infections, analyzing whole genome sequencing data and generating phylogenetic trees to identify clusters of Candida auris across the US. I led studies on various pathogens, focusing on variant calling processes for phylogenetic reconstructions.

I have also participated on developed bioinformatics workflows, including the MycoSNP tool for quality analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction. Currently, I am implementing SnpEff for variant annotation related to antifungal resistance an area of growing importance in public health.

https://orise.orau.gov/cdc/profiles/elizabeth-misas.html#:~:text=Elizabeth%20Misas%20spends%20her%20time%20with%20the%20CDC,to%20resist%20medication.%20%28Photo%20Credit%3A%20Jorge%20Mario%20Vasquez%29

Becoming a biologist has always been Elizabeth Misas’ dream since she was a little girl, originally hoping to become a marine biologist. In high school, she discovered chemistry and molecular biology, which motivated her to instead become a molecular biologist. Along her journey toward achieving a doctorate of biology from the Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA) in Medellín, Colombia she found more than just an interest in chemistry and molecular biology.

Elizabeth Misas spends her time with the CDC analyzing the DNA sequences of fungi which cause infection in humans. Through her research the scientific community can find greater understanding with how such fungi mutate to resist medication. (Photo Credit: Jorge Mario Vasquez)

“What really marked my path was my time at the Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCM) group of the Corporacion para Investigaciones Biologica-UdeA, where I did my undergraduate thesis, and my master’s and Ph.D. thesis, under the tutorship of professors Oliver Clay and Juan Guillermo McEwen,” she said. “There, I discovered the exciting world of mycology and had to learn bioinformatics from scratch.”

Mycology, which is the study of fungi such as mushrooms and yeasts, and bioinformatics, the use of computer technology to collect, store and analyze biological data, played big parts in Misas’ post-doctoral research. She joined on with the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) program and was placed in the Mycotic Diseases Branch (MDB) as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellow.

The CDC Research Participation Programs are educational and training programs designed to provide students, recent graduates and university faculty members with opportunities to participate in project-specific CDC research, current public health research and developmental activities.

Here, alongside her mentors, Nancy Chow and Lynette Benjamin, Misas has taken a role studying fungi under MDB’s Data and Quality Team. Her project’s focus is on three fungi: Candida auris, Candida glabrata, and Aspergillus fumigatus. These fungi cause infection in humans who predominantly have weakened immune systems, like chemotherapy patients. Misas noted that the yeast C. auris has been especially dangerous, thanks to its resistance to drugs, easy spread in hospitals and ability to cause severe infection.

Because there are only three types of drugs to combat severe fungal illnesses, Misas’ research is just that much more important. Medicine resistance to even one of these drug drastically impacts the ability for patients to fight fungus related infection.

To study these fungi, she uses whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data to analyze the fungi’s DNA. WGS is a technique used to view the entirety of an organism’s DNA, or genome. WGS is a research tool and is increasingly used in the medical and public health fields. Using this technique, Misas identifies mutations that help the fungus evade antifungal drug treatment. Identifying these mutations is a step towards understanding how the fungi evolve alongside the medicines designed to treat the infection within humans.

While she continues her bioinformatics research, Misas also is preparing a manuscript to be submitted to the Medical Mycology journal, in an article titled “Genomic description of clinical Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, California, 2020.” She has additionally been collaborating on other publications, such as a paper titled “Candida auris Whole-Genome Sequence Benchmark Dataset for Phylogenomic Pipelines” and a chapter in the book Methods in Molecular Biology, volume 2517 [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] about the MycoSNP fungal genome sequencing workflow.

Misas was able to share her team’s findings within the American Society for Microbiology’s poster section and will present another poster for the 11^th International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in August, 2022.

Misas describes her fellowship positively. In the beginning she worked remotely, but after the first year she was in the lab in person. As a result, she’s received both the experience of self-driven remote research as well as face-to-face study with her fellow scientists and academics.

Her favorite part of the experience so far has been the variety of her daily tasks and her team. No two days are alike in routine, Misas says. Every day she solves brand new challenges, spends time on preparing content for academic journals and attends informational meetings. Misas says that receiving feedback in so many different backgrounds, from epidemiologists to data scientists, is very enriching.

She is learning much from those around her. Through her fellowship Misas is gaining a greater understanding of how to investigate an infectious disease outbreak, as well as learning more about epidemiology, public health, and bioinformatics.

Dr.

Bakul

Piplani

Research Scientist

Foundation for Neglected Disease Research

India

Infectious Disease Drug Discovery

I am a diligent, enthusiastic, self-motivated and perseverant individual with 7+ years of research experience in biological science. I did my PhD and a short postdoc in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry with a focus on functional characterization of Mycobacterial proteins. My research mainly revolved around understanding the roles of Mycobacterial Heat Shock Proteins in cell survival and studying how they contribute to pathogenesis. I am interested in contributing my knowledge and skills to help develop novel anti-Mycobacterial drugs.

Besides being a researcher, I am an active listener, avid reader and quick learner with a penchant for solving challenging problems. I am a firm believer in the power of effective communication of scientific knowledge and am committed to making science accessible and understandable for the masses. When not pursuing research, you can find me writing science blogs, watching sports, or travelling through nature and capturing landscapes with a camera.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakul-piplani/

Dr.

Mobolaji

Titilawo

Lecturer/Reseacher

Academia

Osun State University

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Virulence factors

I hold a BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Microbiology with special interest in Mycology. I am particularly driven by the passion to investigate the increasing menace of antifungal resistance both in the environment and clinical settings. My research interest lies in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance in fungal pathogens, with a focus on developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat these emerging threats. I am inspired to explore the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to antifungal resistance in clinically relevant fungal species, develop and apply cutting-edge methodologies, such as genomics and transcriptomics, to identify novel targets for antifungal therapy. I also look forward to collaborations with clinicians and industry partners to my translate research findings into improved diagnostic tools and treatment options. I hope to contribute to this field through development of effective strategies for preventing antifungal resistance, treating of fungal infections, and ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of antifungal resistance in global health.

Dr. Mobolaji Titilawo hails from Nigeria. She obtained her BSc, MSc and PhD in Microbiology from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Her area of specialization is Mycology with focus on antifungal resistance, and food security and safety. Dr. Titilawo is an academic staff in the Department of Microbiology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria where she lectures both undergraduate and postgraduate students in different Microbiology and Biotechnology courses. She has also supervised over 50 undergraduate and 6 postgraduate theses. To her credit, she has 22 articles in reputable high impact factor. She belongs to many academic and professional bodies including the American Society for Microbiology, Society for Applied Microbiology, Mycology Society of Nigeria, Nigeria Society for Microbiology, amongst others. She was a recipient of the prestigious ICAN and UK Research Council travel grants to make presentations at International conferences in South Africa, India and Thailand between 2016 and 2019. In the January 2020, she also received 2019 African-German Network of Excellence in Science – Programme Advocating Women in Science (AGNES-PAWS) grant. Dr. Titilawo has presented papers at both local and international conferences.

Cheshni

Jeena

Senior Research Clinician

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

Research interests: Antifungal stewardship, public health, health economics
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheshnijeena/

I have an interest in antimicrobial stewardship, and am currently involved in research on candida resistance patterns in relation to colonisation and antifungal treatment, under the Wits Mycology Division. I also have a passion for public health, and ensuring cost-effective, equitable solutions to crises affecting us.

Senior lecturer

Anissa Zohra

HAFIRASSOU

Teacher

Academia

Université Mentouri Constantine

Algeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp.

We are currently working on the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, as well as the development of chitosan-based nanoparticles derived from fungi belonging to the Zygomycetes. Our aim is to carry out their physicochemical characterization and evaluate their activity against medically important filamentous fungi and yeasts, with the ultimate goal of overcoming resistance to conventional antifungal agents.

I am Anissa Zohra HAFIRASSOU, a senior Lecturer in Mycology at the National School of Biotechnology, where I have been working since October 2019. I obtained my Ph.D. in March 2017 in Constantine, with a dissertation focused on the extraction and in vitro evaluation of chitosan against fungal pathogens responsible for onychomycoses.

My academic and research interests lie primarily in medical mycology, a field in which I have developed both theoretical and practical expertise. I have worked extensively on dermatophytes, combining conventional identification techniques with molecular approaches, including various PCR-based methods.

My current research focuses on exploring innovative antifungal strategies, particularly the development and application of metal oxide nanoparticles and chitosan-based nanomaterials, with the aim of overcoming resistance to conventional antifungal agents.

I have also completed several international training placements, notably at Claude Bernard University in Lyon and the National Reference Laboratory for Mycology in Madrid, where I enhanced my skills in fungal diagnostics and specialized laboratory techniques.

In addition to my research activities, I am actively involved in teaching biotechnology students and supervising final-year research projects in the field of fungal microbiology.

Dr.

Rathina Kumar

Shanmuga Kani

IVDR Assessor

Commercial Organisation

Other/institution not listed

India

Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education

IVD MEDICAL DEVICES EXPERIENCE (8+ years)
 Design & development of novel IVD products (molecular diagnostics, especially NAAT) from scratch to commercialization for antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in clinical specimens
 Clinical performance evaluation of IVD medical devices in real clinical settings
 Application of IVD medical devices for screening/surveillance of infectious pathogens in hospitals
 Collection, storage, and processing of clinical specimens for IVD applications
 GeneFields®CPE: Specimen-direct IVD kit developed by me and commercialised by Kurabo Industries Ltd., Japan for the rapid detection of carbapenemase gene-carrying pathogens

Expertise in medical diagnostics development, microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, antimicrobial resistance, hybridoma technology, and protein purification.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rathinakumarshanmugakani/

OLUWASEUN

ADEOBA

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT/RESEARCHER

Academia

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on Antimicrobial susceptibility, antimicrobial resistance of infectious agents and novel approaches to combat resistant strains and improve infection control measures in healthcare settings

I am Adeoba Oluwaseun Funso, a current student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, pursuing a master’s degree in medical microbiology and parasitology. I gained a solid foundation in antimicrobial susceptibility at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, where I began my academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. Antimicrobial susceptibility, antimicrobial resistance of infectious agents, and innovative strategies to counteract resistant strains and enhance infection control protocols in hospital settings are the main areas of my research interest. I’m now utilizing a mouse model to investigate the effectiveness of mushroom extract against the malaria parasite. My objective is to collaborate with and gain knowledge from professionals and researchers in order to create and put into practice efficient methods for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Associate Professor

Chaoyang

Xue

Research

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

United States

AFR factors, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My research focuses on disease mechanisms of Cryptococcus neoformans. We are interested in understanding fungal factors important for fungal pathogenesis, including fungal factors involved in host immune recognition during Cryptococcus infection and their implication in fungal vaccine development. I apply genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to investigate these fungal-host interactions. We are also interested in studying fungal lipid homeostasis in antifungal drug resistance.

https://phri.njms.rutgers.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty/chaoyang-xue/

I received my PhD degree at Zhejiang University in China on molecular microbiology. My research experience in mycology started when I was a postdoctoral scientist in Dr. Jin-Rong Xu’s laboratory at Purdue University. I spent over three years to study the interactions between the plant pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae and rice before joining Dr. Joseph Heitman lab at Duke University to study Cryptococcus neoformans. I started my own lab in 2008 to continue to study this yeast pathogen at Rutgers University. In the past decade since I joined Rutgers, I have continued to pursue my research interest in disease mechanisms of cryptococcosis.

PhD

Leire

Martin-Souto

Assitant Professor and Researcher

Academia

University of the Basque Country

Spain

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

My research focuses on medical mycology, with an emphasis on innovative diagnostic tools and host-pathogen interactions in fungal infections, particularly those affecting cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Key areas of interest include:

– Fungal pathogenesis of Scedosporium/Lomentospora and Candida albicans, including their role in chronic infections and metastatic processes.
– Development of rapid, portable diagnostics (e.g., ELISA, molecular assays) for invasive fungal infections.
– Preclinical validation of diagnostic tools using clinical samples and 3D organoid models of CF lung tissue.
– Immunology of fungal infections, including serodiagnosis and host immune responses.
– Translational research bridging academia and industry, with collaborations in biotechnology and clinical settings.

My work integrates microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology to improve early detection and therapeutic strategies for fungal diseases.

Dr. Leire Martin-Souto is a medical mycologist focused on developing innovative diagnostic tools and studying host-pathogen interactions in fungal infections, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients. She completed her academic training at UPV/EHU, obtaining her Bachelor’s (2016), Master’s (2017) and PhD with Cum Laude distinction titled “New insights into the immunodiagnosis of Scedosporium/Lomentospora in Cystic Fibrosis patients (2023).

Her research encompasses clinically relevant fungi including Scedosporium/Lomentospora, Aspergillus and Candida. During her reseach career, she established collaborations with the CF Center Westbrandenburg and Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany, where she conducted research stays to validate diagnostic tools and study fungal pathogenesis. These international collaborations remain active in her current work and during 2024 she expanded her expertise through intensive research on advanced CF lung organoid models for studying fungal infections. Currently, as Assistant Professor at UPV/EHU, she continues to bridge basic and clinical mycology research while maintaining productive collaborations with national and international partners.

Dr. Martin-Souto welcomes collaborations with clinicians, researchers, and industry partners who share her vision of improving outcomes for patients with fungal infections. Her expertise spans:
– Development and validation of fungal diagnostic tools (serological and molecular)
– Immunoproteomics for diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections
– Fungal pathogenesis in cystic fibrosis
– 3D organoid models of fungal infection
– Translational research and industry-academic partnerships
– Immunology of fungal infections

She is particularly interested in multidisciplinary projects that combine microbiology, immunology, and clinical research to address pressing challenges in medical mycology.

Mr.

Cristian

Mena

PhD student

Academia

CIBICI-CONICET Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología

Argentina

Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Other spp.

My research interests include development and improvement of molecular tools for diagnosis and epidemiology of parasite and fungal human pathogens causing infections in South America.

My name is Cristian Mena, I am 34 years old, and I am passionate about the diagnosis of parasitic and fungal diseases. Since my undergraduate studies, I have frequented specialized laboratories in these diagnostics, both within my province and in other regions of the country, as well as abroad. This training and experience led me to obtain a degree as a Specialist in Parasitology, and I am currently involved in a doctoral thesis in the same field.

Thanks to my education and background, I have gained extensive experience in microscopic and molecular diagnostics, biological sample handling and extraction, as well as in the analysis of biological and molecular data. My favorite tasks include microscopic research, PCR sequencing-genotyping of infectious agents, and microbiota data analysis using NGS.

In addition, I greatly enjoy fieldwork and have no objections to traveling or undertaking medium- to long-term stays in high-endemic areas, both for research purposes and to contribute to local health.

Abdulrahman

Yakubu Mohammed

Microbiology Laboratory Manager

Academia

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Gambia

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

My primary research interest lies in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a focus on Staphylococcus aureus and other clinically significant bacterial pathogens. I am particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms of resistance, the epidemiology of resistant strains in low-resource settings, and the integration of laboratory surveillance data to inform treatment guidelines and public health interventions. My work also explores the intersection of diagnostics, quality management systems (ISO 15189:2022), and microbiology laboratory strengthening to support high-quality research and clinical service delivery.

I am currently pursuing a PhD on antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using clinical isolates from the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia. This work aims to characterize resistance profiles, explore clonal lineages, and contribute to AMR surveillance efforts within the sub-region.

Abdulrahman Yakubu Mohammed is a molecular biologist and clinical researcher with a strong background in infectious disease diagnostics and genomic technologies. He currently manages the Microbiology Laboratory Services Manager at the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, where he leads high-impact research on novel vaccine delivery systems and pathogen genomics. His current focus includes antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, aligning with global health priorities. Abdulrahman holds an MSc in Medical Science and a BSc in Biomedical Science, both with distinction, and has received multiple prestigious fellowships and grants, including the Emerging Thought Leaders in Public Health Fellowship and the Infectious Diseases Catalyst Grant. His career spans leadership roles at the Nigerian CDC and the Institute of Human Virology, contributing to national outbreak responses and genomic surveillance efforts. Passionate about capacity building and public science communication, he actively mentors early-career researchers and leads STEM outreach programs. His research integrates molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and translational science to advance equitable healthcare solutions across Africa.

Monira

Sarmin

Associate Scientist

Academia

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research , Bangladesh

Bangladesh

AFR factors, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

I am interested in clinical research, particularly focusing on malnutrition, diarrheal illnesses, and infectious diseases in critically ill children. This includes sepsis syndromes caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens. My work aims to enhance early diagnosis, deepen understanding of disease pathophysiology, and develop targeted management strategies tailored to resource-limited settings, with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality.

Biography of Dr Monira Sarmin:
https://drmonirasarmin.my.canva.site/

Sayeeda

Huq

Associate Scientist

Commercial Organisation

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research , Bangladesh

Bangladesh

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Monitoring transmission, Patient engagement

I spend most of my time in research and the rest for clinical duties. I have 42 publications in different peer reviewed journals and in a book chapter and have been conducting different nutrition related research activities. My research interest is in nutrition intervention on malnourished and low birth weight child, nutrition and microbiome, childhood infectious disease, implication of stable isotope in childhood malnutrition, maternal health and infectious disease . Currently I am actively involved as lad PI in Fungal disease surveillance study in Bangladesh funded by CDC , , Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right among 15-49 years women funded by Canada.

Selected publications:

1. A cross-sectional study of associations between the 13C-sucrose breath test, the lactulose rhamnose assay, and growth in children at high risk of environmental enteropathy.2024.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.10.001

2. A microbiome-directed therapeutic food for children recovering from severe acute malnutrition. Sci Transl Med. 2024 Oct 2;16(767):eadn2366. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adn2366. Epub 2024 Oct 2

3. Risk or associated factors of wasting among under-five children in Bangladesh: A systematic review. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 33(4), p.457.

4. Inpatient Morbidity and Mortality of Severely Underweight Children Was Comparable to That of Severely Wasted Children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, pp.tpmd230137-tpmd230137.
5. Changes in preterm birth and stillbirth during COVID-19 lockdowns in 26 countries. Nat Hum Behav. 2023 Apr;7(4):529-544. doi: 10.1038/s41562-023-01522-y. Epub 2023 Feb 27. PMID: 36849590; PMCID: PMC10129868.
6. A Microbiota-Directed Food Intervention for Undernourished Children. N Engl J Med. 2021 Apr 22;384(16):1517-1528. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2023294. Epub 2021 Apr 7. PMID: 33826814; PMCID:
7. Changes in Nutritional Status and Morbidities Among Children Having Severe Acute Malnutrition Attending a Nutrition Follow-Up Unit in Bangladesh Who Did Not Receive Any Food Supplementation. Food Nutr Bull. 2021 Sep;42(3):399-405. doi: 10.1177/03795721211028545. Epub 2021 Jul 2. PMID: 34212780.

Research Grant Participation:

01. Principal Investigator (PI) of a protocol entitled,” Surveillance for invasive fungal infections in Bangladesh”.Funded by CDC,USA (ongoing)
02. PI of research protocol entitled,” Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services for 15-49 years mothers and caregivers attending in Dhaka hospital, icddr,b”. Funded by GAC (ongoing)

03. Principal Investigator (PI) of a protocol entitled, “Impact of Pandemic on Perinatal Outcome (iPOP study) in Bangladesh”. Funded by ICODA

04. Principal Investigator (PI) of a protocol entitled, “Validation of 13C Sucrose Breath Test as a novel marker for diagnosis of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) and determination of the impact of EED on child nutrition using stable isotopes.” Funder by IAEA.
05. Co- investigator of a research protocol entitled, “Pre-Proof of Concept (Pre-POC)’ clinical trials to optimize lead microbiota-directed complementary food (MDCF) prototypes for their ability to repair microbiota immaturity and establish their organoleptic acceptability.”
06. C0-PI of research protocol entitled, “Community-based clinical trial with microbiota-directed complementary foods made of locally available food ingredients for the management of children with post severe acute malnutrition moderate acute malnutrition’’

07. Principal Investigator (PI) of a protocol entitled “ Efficacy and acceptability of ready to use therapeutic food in 6-24 months aged children with severe acute malnutrition in Bangladesh” ; funded by IAEA ; icddr,b core fund.
08. Co- investigator of a research protocol entitled, “Hypernatremia dehydration in childhood diarrhea: an observational study to investigate its neurological complications, and outcome of an optimized treatment on case fatality.”

Dr.

Shams

Bhuiyan

physician researcher

Academia

icddr,b

Bangladesh

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

My research intrests are in the invasive fungal infection areas.

www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shams-e-tabriz-bhuiyan-20637927

Jane Rahedi

Ong’ang’o

Principal Research Scientist

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Kenya

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Immunology, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

I am a medical doctor epidemiologist with an interest in public health. I focus on lung health research both communicable and non-communicable conditions. I investigate burden of disease, risk factors and implementation science research, all supporting patient care management.
Bibliography
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/jane.ong’ang’o.1/bibliography/public/

I am a medical doctor and Principal Research Scientist working at the Centre for Respiratory Disease Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). As a Public Health Specialist I have an interest in health programme implementation and operational research of interventions geared towards control of both communicable and non-communicable conditions.I have played the role of principal investigator for various population-based surveys and served as a research team coordinator. I have provided a leadership role in coordinating national surveys including The International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project, Kenya (2012, 2018), The Kenya National TB Prevalence Survey (2016), and the Kenya STEP Survey for Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors (2015). I have keen interest in health system strengthening research for the improvement of lung health. I am a member of various technical working groups in the Ministry of Health including Monitoring/Evaluation and Research, Social Protection, Drug Resistance TB. My participation in the development of various work documents include the current TB, Leprosy and Lung Disease National Strategic Plan (2024-2028), various TB control guidelines for the National TB control programme, the Social Protection Policy document for TB and Leprosy patients, the Universal Health Coverage roadmap document for Kenya, and was in the Kenya writing team for Global Fund application 2021 -2023 funding cycle. My other areas of interest include capacity building of health workers, programme evaluation and social protection issues related to TB disease.

Miss

Yanga

Pato

Student

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Virulence factors

I am interested in the pathogenesis and neurobiology of neglected and understudied neuroinfectious diseases, particularly those affecting low-resource settings. I am drawn to questions around how pathogens invade, persist, and interact with the central nervous system, often resulting in long-term neurological complications. I am especially curious about how these infections disrupt brain structure and function at the molecular and anatomical level. My current research focuses on Cryptococcal Meningitis, a fungal infection of the brain with a disproportionately high burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. I use a metabolomics-based approach to investigate how Cryptococcus neoformans alters the brain’s metabolic environment and how these changes may contribute to fungal survival, immune evasion, and disease progression. Through this work, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of host–pathogen interactions in the brain and help address the scientific and clinical gaps that exist in the field of neuroinfectious diseases

I am a Master’s student in Neuroscience and Physiology at the University of Cape Town with a background in Microbiology and Biochemistry (BSc, cum laude) and an Honours degree in Medical Science. I am particularly interested in the molecular underpinnings of neuroinfectious diseases, especially those affecting low-resource communities. I have worked as a physiology demonstrator and research supervisor, and I regularly volunteer in community outreach programs. These experiences continue to shape my commitment to socially impactful research and inclusive science. I believe in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and am particularly interested in connecting with researchers focused on global health challenges, host–pathogen interactions, and the intersection of science and social impact. I aim to contribute to research that bridges the gap between scientific innovation and real-world health solutions.

MD. PH.D.

María Francisca

Colom Valiente

University Associate Professor

Academia

Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche

Spain

Antifungal use, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement

Fungal infections considered as Neglected Tropical Diseases (mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis): Diagnostic and treatment
The Human Respiratory Mycobiome.

Mª Francisca Colom graduated from Medical School at the University of Alicante (Spain) in 1983 and achieved her Doctor of Medicine degree (Ph.D.) in Microbiology in the same University in 1990.
Since 1997 she has been Associate Professor of Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine of the Miguel Hernández University in Alicante (Spain).
Her research activity is mainly in the field of Medical Mycology, in which she has worked especially on the relationship between the environment and health. In this line, her work on the search for the ecological niche of agents of systemic mycoses, especially fungi of the genus Cryptococcus, and the relationship between the respiratory mycobiome and the domestic environment are particularly noteworthy.
In recent years, she became involved in the study of fungal Neglected Tropical Diseases, with a special focus on the study of mycetoma. Since 2019, within the NGO Surgery in Turkana, she has been leading a mycetoma study work group for which she has established a diagnostic and research laboratory at the Lodwar County and Referral Hospital in Turkana (Northwest Kenya), which now belongs to the Kenyan Mycetoma Research team.
She has authored or co-authored more than 80 publications in intermediate-highly- ranked journals. She has been Associate Editor of the Environmental Microbiology Journal, and is still member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal Revista Iberoamericana de Micología. Member of the board of the Global Mycetoma Working Group and Spanish scientific societies for Microbiology (SEM) and Mycology (AEM), as well as the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM), the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) and the European Federation of Microbiology Societies (FEMS).

Dr.

Alvaro León

Rúa Giraldo

Professor

Academia

Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Lateral Flow test, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Aerobiological behavior of fungi, Antifungal resistance in Aspergillus, molecular identification of Aspergillus and Sporothrix

I have been a professor at the University of Antioquia for 30 years, where I teach courses in general microbiology, medical mycology and environmental microbiology. I have a deep knowledge of fungal species, in particular Aspergillus and Cryptococcus, which allows me to accurately identify and characterise these pathogens. I belong to research groups in molecular biology and medical mycology where I have worked on aspects of the aerobiology of fungal spores, with special attention to the study of Aspergillus in hospital environments, as well as the application of genomic techniques for the study of gene function in pathogenic fungi and for species-level identification in Aspergillus and Sporothrix. I have worked on in vitro resistance assessment and the search for resistance-associated mutations in environmental and clinical Aspergillus isolates. I have also participated in research on the utility of different compounds with antifungal potential and in the validation of rapid diagnostic techniques for Aspergillus and Cryptococcus infections.

Dr.

Leonardo

Santana

Professor

Academia

Universidade Federal de Goiás

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Virulence factors

My research interests are focused on understanding the mechanisms of pathogenicity, virulence, resistance, and extracellular vesicle production in fungal infections, through the application of functional genomics. Using this approach, I aim to investigate the role of specific genes in modulating cellular responses in pathogenic fungi. Additionally, my studies seek to explore how gene deletions influence host-pathogen interactions, particularly regarding the immunomodulatory effects resulting from such genetic modifications. This line of research holds potential for unveiling novel therapeutic targets and advancing our comprehension of fungal biology and host immune responses.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=FEl-_rkAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR

Dr.

Maria Cristina

Padilla Herrera

Medical Doctor

Academia

Fundación Santa fe de Bogotá

Colombia

Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Vaccine development

My main research interests lie at the intersection of dermatology, public health, and epidemiology. I am particularly focused on infections, antifungal resistance, and their population-level impact. I am also interested in applying One Health approaches to investigate the links between human, animal, and environmental health, especially in underserved communities. My work integrates clinical expertise, surveillance, and sustainable strategies to address various diseases, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations, health system strengthening, and scalable interventions. Additionally, I am keen to explore innovative methods for early diagnosis, resistance monitoring, and digital tools for health care.
Here you can find more about the staff I work with: https://fundacionsantafedebogota.org/salud-poblacional

I am a medical doctor and epidemiologist with broad research interests across clinical medicine and public health. also engage in research on other priority health issues affecting underserved communities. My work integrates epidemiological analysis, clinical insight, and field-based approaches to address diverse health challenges, always from a biopsychosocial and One Health perspective.

I am especially interested in the intersection of environmental, occupational, and social factors with health outcomes. I have participated in studies addressing communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, and the implementation of sustainable, data-informed interventions. I aim to contribute to scalable solutions that are locally relevant and globally informed, and I value collaborative work that bridges disciplines and sectors.

As an early-career researcher, I am deeply committed to contributing to the scientific community through rigorous, context-sensitive research that addresses real-world health problems. I believe that generating evidence from local realities, particularly in low and middle-income settings, not only informs better decision-making, but also strengthens global health equity.

I am motivated by the opportunity to build interdisciplinary collaborations, share findings that inspire change, and contribute to a more inclusive and responsive research landscape that values both scientific excellence and social impact.

Herbert

Itabangi

Senior Lecturer

Academia

Busitema University

Uganda

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

I am engaged in understanding microbial pathogenesis, particularly how environmental fungal opportunists transition from saprophytes to pathogenicity, exploring the metabolic and molecular ecological evolutionary attributes involved. In recent years, I have explored this clinically, trying to understand how cross-kingdom etiologies co-evolve in the same infection niche, to try and use this information to extrapolate diagnostic means for polymicrobial co-infections. Currently, I am trying to follow this up with antifungal treatment monitoring to examine whether it contributes to the now prevalent antifungal resistance we see clinically.

I am a senior lecturer in the department of microbiology and immunology, Busitema University. In the department I head the Medical Mycology unit. I hold a Ph.D in Biosciences from the University of Birmingham, A master’s in Medical Mycology and Fungal Immunology from the University of Aberdeen, A master’s in Medical Microbiology, Mbarara University and a bachelor’s in Laboratory Medicine, Mbarara University. I am currently an EDCTP research fellow pursuing metabolic and molecular ecological evolution of opportunistic pulmonary co-infecting fungi. As a result, I have founded a research group focusing on opportunistic co-infecting fungi and their transition to pathogenicity. Examining how co-infecting pathogens explore and manipulate the infection niche for survival and evasion of antifungal targeting. I am here to expand my network and join hands with other researchers to combat fungal infections, which have now become common and a major problem in specific patient populations (my link https://fhs.busitema.ac.ug/academics/departments/Department-of-Microbiology-and-Immunology#)

Jennie

Campbell

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Industry engagement

My interest lies in the use of Galleria mellonella as a partial replacement model organism for the study of infection. I am particularly keen to broaden the scope of experiments possible in this model. I am co-Director of GMRC UK.

I completed my PhD at the University of Bristol, UK in Drosophila melanogaster, where I was interested in understanding how the cells of the immune system (hemocytes) are recruited to sites of epithelial damage. I then moved to work in Galleria mellonella at the University of Exeter, with an interest in improving our understanding of the model’s immune system. I am keen to promote the use of laboratory-grown Galleria – as opposed to sourcing larvae for experiments from pet and bait shops, as is most common in the field.

Professor

Eliana

Barreto Bergter

Full Professor and researcher

Academia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Aspergillus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Virulence factors

Our main research interests are based on the study of molecules from fungal surface, such as glycoconjugates and polysaccharides, and their roles on fungi-host interaction, fungal virulence and as targets for antifungal compounds.
The following link can be accessed for further information: https://lattes.cnpq.br/0810988343125842

The following link can be accessed for further information: https://lattes.cnpq.br/0810988343125842

Rodrigo

Rollin Pinheiro

Researcher

Academia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Our main research interests are based on the study of glycoconjugates from fungal cell surface and their roles on fungal pathogenesis, host interactions and as targets of new compounds with antifungal activity.
The following link can be accessed for further information: https://lattes.cnpq.br/0213503098961755

The following link can be accessed for further information: https://lattes.cnpq.br/0213503098961755

Dr.

Camila

Manoel Crnkovic

Professor

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach

Natural products drug discovery; metabolomics; genomics; cytotoxicity; antimicrobials | www.labazul.science

Camila earned her B.Sc. in Pharmacy & Biochemistry from the University of São Paulo and a Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In 2020, she was selected for the CAS Future Leaders Program, awarded by the American Chemical Society. Currently Camila serves as an Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (FCF-USP). She coordinates the Laboratory of Microbial Natural Products Biotechnology (Lab Azul, www.labazul.science), where she develops a research program encompassing bioprospecting, dereplication, isolation, structure elucidation of secondary metabolites, genomics, and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. We aim to discover natural products with antiproliferative, antiparasitic, antibacterial, or antifungal activity.

Masego

Moncho

Microbiology pathologist

Academia

University of Pretoria

South Africa

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Fungal risk factors, susceptibility testing, laboratory diagnosis, and management.

I am a committed Microbiology pathologist with research interest in mycology, TB and antimicrobial resistance. I obtained PhD Medical Microbiology degree in December 2024, titled “Identification and determination of virulence factors of invasive Candida parapsilosis sensu lato in paediatric patients at Universitas Academic Hospital”. I was a PathRed congress (2023) discipline-specific organising committee member. I contribute to insightful and knowledge-absorbing undergraduate as well as postgraduate curricula, with a comprehensive delivery plan, and confidently supporting colleagues. I engage with students, empowering them so they will continue to empower others to achieve personal and academic success as emerging researchers. I continue to supervise and co-supervise the Microbiology honours and masters’ students. I have been and external reviewer of Microbiology related honors and Mmed research protocols, an internal and external examiner for Microbiology primaries as well as an examiner in the CMSA Microbiology FCPath exit exam.

Andoni

Ramirez Garcia

Assistant Professor

Academia

University of the Basque Country

Spain

Aspergillus, Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Other spp., Virulence factors

Throughout my professional career, I have focused on the pathobiology of fungal species, including C. albicans, Scedosporium/Lomentospora, and Aspergillus. The investigations have all been connected by omics (genomic, transcriptomic, etc.) and other biotechnological methods. Among the most relevant contributions to scientific knowledge, we described the mechanisms of C. albicans to promote hepatic metastasis, the immunoproteomics-based studies on Scedosporium/Lomentospora, and the molecular studies on Aspergillus virulence factors.

@microbiomicsEHU (Instagram, X, Tik-tok, facebook)

Currently, I have a position as associate professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), where I am also the coordinator of the 2nd course of the Biotechnology degree. I have authored 45 indexed articles (H-index: 15; 181 citations/year over the last five years), contributed to 20 research projects, and hold two patents. I have presented 148 conference communications, including four as an invited speaker. I have served on the organizing committees of three national and one international congress. As a PhD supervisor, I have guided eight doctoral theses, two of which received Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Awards.

My research is primarily focused on the pathobiology of fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, Scedosporium/Lomentospora, and Aspergillus. In addition, I have explored topics related to the microbiota and various bacterial and viral agents, including Salmonella and SARS-CoV-2. A common thread throughout these studies has been the use of omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, etc.) and advanced biotechnological approaches. Notable contributions include uncovering how C. albicans facilitates liver metastasis, conducting immunoproteomics research on Scedosporium/Lomentospora, and investigating the molecular mechanisms behind Aspergillus virulence.

Samuel

Rodrigues dos Santos Junior

Postdoc

Academia

Johns Hopkins University

United States

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Other spp., Sporothrix, Vaccine development

Environmental Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Nanobiotechnology, Antimicrobial Resistance, Systemic and Synthetic Biology of Microorganisms, Genetic Engineering, Genomics and Proteomics of Microorganisms, Molecular Biotechnology of Microorganisms, Nanobiotechnology, Immunology and Vaccine Production.

BSc in Biotechnology; Federal University of Goiás (UFG) – Brazil, with emphasis on Microbiology and Nanobiotechnology in studies with Cyclodextrin glicosiltransferase producing bacteria.
MSc in Microbiology; University of São Paulo (ICB-USP) – Brazil, with emphasis on Microbiology, Immunology and Nanobiotechnology in studies with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
PhD in Microbiology; University of São Paulo (ICB-USP) – Brazil, with emphasis on Microbiology, Immunology and Nanobiotechnology in studies with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum and Sporotix brasiliensis.
PhD exchange CAPES-PRINT-USP (Brazilian fellowship) on the Johns Hopkins University (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) with emphasis on Microbiology, Immunology and Nanobiotechnology in studies with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Cryptococcus neoformans.
Post-Doctorate in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; Johns Hopkins University (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) with emphasis on Microbiology, Immunology and Nanobiotechnology in studies with Cryptococcus neoformans and Candidozyma auris
Experience in Environmental Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Nanobiotechnology, Antimicrobial Resistance, Systemic and Synthetic Biology of Microorganisms, Genetic Engineering, Genomics and Proteomics of Microorganisms, Molecular Biotechnology of Microorganisms, Nanobiotechnology, Immunology and Vaccine Production.

Laura

Alcazar Fuoli

Principal Investigator

Academia

Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)

Spain

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Immunotherapies, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient cohorts

Research focused on various aspects of fungal infections in humans, particularly those caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Laura has extensive experience in molecular biology, experimental models, sequence analysis, antifungal susceptibility testing, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. In 2012, Laura joined the Mycology Reference Laboratory with a “Miguel Servet” research contract after working for three years as an associate researcher at Imperial College London. In 2014, she secured a position as a Tenured Scientist within the Spanish Public Research Organizations. Her current project focuses on studying fungal infections from the perspective of host susceptibility, aiming to develop diagnostic techniques for the prevention and early diagnosis of these infections. In addition, she is involved in the analysis of epidemiology of antifungal resistance and genomic analysis of resistant strains and characterization of resistance mechanisms in A. fumigatus and C. parapsilosis.

Miss

Janet

John-Thubuka

Medical Lab Scientist

Industry

Princess Marina Hospital Gaborone

Botswana

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Antifungal ieldentification and susceptibility

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-john-thubuka-36a4b191

Juliana

Rizzo

Lecturer

Academia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My primary research interests focus on microbial communication mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly in the context of fungal-bacterial interactions. My team seeks to uncover how EVs contribute to microbial virulence, drug resistance, and host-pathogen dynamics, with the overarching goal of identifying novel antifungal compounds and advancing innovative therapeutic strategies. We employ an integrated approach combining molecular biology, microbiology, and multi-omics technologies to investigate the role of EVs in polymicrobial infections and harness their potential for antimicrobial drug discovery.

I am an early-career Lecturer at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), based at the Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, where I lead a research group focused on microbial communication mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). I hold a BSc in Biology, an MSc in Microbiology, and a PhD in Biochemistry. My graduate and postdoctoral research focused on exploring the secretory pathways responsible for the release of molecules associated with fungal virulence. My work builds on a strong foundation in fungal pathogenesis, with international training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (USA) and the Institut Pasteur (France), where I continue to maintain active collaborations.

I currently supervise three undergraduate students, one Master’s student, and one PhD student, fostering an environment of interdisciplinary training and collaborative research. I value open, cross-disciplinary science and actively seek partnerships that bridge fundamental microbiology and translational innovation. As a member of FAILSAFE, I aim to contribute to advancing our understanding of microbial interactions and driving the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Mr.

PASCAL D.

SEDOR

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST

Industry

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Ghana

• The mechanism of fungal pathogenesis
• Diagnostics of fungal infections
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of antifungal agents
• Resistance and mechanism of resistance to antifungal agents
• Predisposing risk factors associated with fungal infections; immunity against fungal infections.
• Genomics and Bioinformatics

I am a registered medical laboratory scientist with over ten years post-qualification general diagnostic laboratory and clinical laboratory research experience in Ghana. My training, practice and nascent research activities have provided me with significant skills especially in diagnostic bacteriology and mycology techniques. In the last 2 years, I have acquired specialist knowledge and skills in clinical fungal laboratory testing through courses, hands-on training, and research activities. I am currently looking forward to expand hone my research skills while developing my career as a research-inclined medical laboratory scientist.

Mr.

Oluwadamilare

Shanu

Research assistant

Academia

University of Lagos

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Outreach, Vaccine development, Working with industry

I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance in pathogenic fungi by investigating how non-canonical nucleic acid structures like G-quadruplexes influence gene regulation, genome stability, and adaptation to stress. My goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets that can contribute to solving antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries.

Oluwadamilare Shanu is an aspiring microbiologist from Nigeria with a strong academic and research background in fungal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular virology. He earned his undergraduate degree in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University, where he conducted research on the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis among vulnerable populations. His practical experience includes volunteering in antiretroviral therapy laboratories and contributing to national fungal surveillance programs in Nigeria.

He has also volunteered in Antiretroviral Therapy Laboratory where he gained research experience in the HIV field, understanding the potential effects of coinfection with fungal pathogens. Through this experiences he honed his skills in other areas such as phlebotomy, hematology and clinical chemistry with the understanding of operation of equipments relevant to this areas.

He currently works as a research assistant at the Mycology Reference Laboratory where he focuses on on identification and resistance patterns of fungal pathogens from clinical and environmental samples.

He is particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms that drive drug resistance in opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Candida spp.

Through FAILSAFE (Fungal Antimicrobial Resistance Innovation for Low & Middle Income Countries: Solutions and Access for Everyone), he seeks to engage with a collaborative network of researchers focused on equity in fungal research, contribute to problem-solving for antifungal resistance in LMICs, and gain mentorship as he transitions into postgraduate research.

Sophie

Brun

Head of the Parasitology-Mycology Department

Academia

Sorbonne Paris Nord University

France

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Other spp.

dermatophytosis: epidemiology and antifungal resistance

DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS
• 1998: Master in “Host-Parasite Interactions,” University of Paris XII
• 1999: State Diploma of Doctor of Medicine, University of Paris VI
• 1999: Specialization Diploma in Medical Biology, University of Paris VI
• 2000: Diploma in Medical Mycology, Institut Pasteur, Paris
• 2004: University Diploma in Travel Medicine – Travelers’ Health, University of Paris VI
• 2005: PhD, University of Angers, France
• 2010: University Diploma in Medical Pedagogy, University of Paris V
HOSPITAL AND UNIVERSITY ROLES
• 1999-2003: Hospital-University Assistant, Angers University-Hospital, Parasitology-Mycology Department
• 2003-2005: Specialist Assistant, Bichat-Claude Bernard University-Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, Parasitology-Mycology Department
• 2006-2010: Attached Practitioner, Pitié-Salpêtrière University-Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, Parasitology-Mycology Department
• 2010-2011: Associate Hospital-University Assistant, Avicenne University-Hospital, AP-HP, USPN, Bobigny, Parasitology-Mycology Department
• Since 2011: University Lecturer-Hospital Practitioner, Avicenne University-Hospital, AP-HP, USPN, Bobigny, Parasitology-Mycology Department
• Since 2021: Head of the Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne University-Hospital, AP-HP, USPN, Bobigny

Expertise in dermatophytosis (tinea capitis managment after withdrawal of grisefulvine in France, recalcitrant extensive dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae, anfifungal resistance in dermatophytes)

Margarita

Darder

Senior Scientist

Materials Science Institute of Madrid (CSIC)

Spain

Antifungal use

My research focuses on the development of functional and sustainable hybrid, biohybrid and porous nanostructured materials for a variety of applications, mainly based on the use of natural resources such as biomass and clays. I am particularly interested in the development of materiales for healthcare applications, such as drug delivery, wound healing or tissue repair. https://wp.icmm.csic.es/phbhmg/members/permanent-staff/dra-margarita-darder/

Margarita Darder graduated in Chemistry at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) in 1995 and received her PhD from the same University in 2000. In 2001, she joined Prof. Ruiz-Hitzky’s team at the Materials Science Institute of Madrid (CSIC) as a postdoctoral Fellow. She has also held post-doctoral positions at the Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie des Polymères et des Milieux Dispersés (Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de Paris) and at the Instituto de Microelectrónica de Barcelona-Centro Nacional de Microelectrónica (CSIC), and later she joined the Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies of Materials (IMDEA-Materials) as a Ramón y Cajal researcher. In 2010 she got a tenured scientist at ICMM-CSIC, where she is currently a senior scientist. Her research activities focus on the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured hybrid and bio-hybrid materials, particularly functional and sustainable materials derived from biomass and with special interest in healthcare applications. She is author of 117 articles in international journals, being around 30 of them related to drug delivery, wound healing or tissue repair. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7032-0419

Paulin

Nana

Head of Department of Agriculture

Academia

University of Ebolowa

Cameroon

Host-pathogen interactions, Microbial Pathogenesis

Paulin Nana’s research interests include sustainable agriculture, use of fungal biopesticide to control pest insects, insect-based technology for organic waste recycling, and animal feed production. Specifically, he has worked on projects such as intensive production of African catfish fingerlings and using black soldier fly and house fly larvae to convert agricultural waste into chicken feed. His work also focuses on producing and valorizing maggot meal as a sustainable protein source for indigenous chicks, showcasing his commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Paulin+Nana&btnG=

Paulin Nana is a researcher and lecturer in entomology and biotechnology at the University of Ebolowa. His work focuses on innovative approaches to pest management, fungal biopesticides, and insect-based technology for food and feed production. Notably, he has researched using black soldier flies for organic waste recycling and sustainable protein production, and has published articles in scientific journals on topics such as maggot meal production and veterinary parasitology, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Prof Dr

Joseph

Djeugap

Lecturer

Academia

Université de Dschang

Cameroon

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Diagnostics

My research interest is focus on plant disease diagnosis and development of alternatives to chemical for plant diseases management.

Lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences (FAAS), University of Dschang since 2009.
Head of Plant Pathology and Agricultural Zoology Research Unit since 2014
Coordinator of the Distance Education Centre in Agriculture of the FAAS since 2023.
Have published more than 40 scientific articles and directed 12 PhD thesis in Plant Pathology.

Prof.

NORBER

MBAHIN

Coordinator School of Agriculture & Animal Production Sciences

Academia

Université des Montagnes

Cameroon

AFR factors, Diagnostics, One Health and Education

Areas of expertise Teaching and Postgraduate students supervision
Development of innovative, low cost and environment-friendly approach to control Vector-borne diseases;
Fight against Malaria using Arthemisa;
Control of TADs and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and Vector-borne diseases; Agricultural Entomology
Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology
Public health surveillance and disease intelligence; Public health emergency preparedness and response; Public health laboratory systems and networks; Public health information and technology systems; Public health research and public health institutes Organize multi stakeholder platforms;
Develop policy framework and Guidelines; Veterinary & Medical Entomology
Experience directly related to integrated vector control management, Experience in regulatory and operational aspects of vector control methods and management
Coordination on a continental project (Bee health Project); Management EC funded Project;
Organized milk sector along the value chain Coordination of Tsetse Project & Bee Health Project Epidemio-Entomologist;
Epidemio-Surveillance of bee diseases and pests Participatory Epidemiology Appraisal (PEA) Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
Livestock production, Animal health;
Monitoring & evaluation and animal husbandry; Agriculture and livestock extension;
Poverty alleviation and income generation activities; Livelihoods recovery and agribusiness; Food security
Biodiversity conservation and monitoring effect of climate change Apiculture and Sericulture; Project implementation and monitoring Capacity building and institutional strengthening
Coordination between various stakeholders
Design & implementation of livelihood development strategy Geographical Information System (GIS)

Prof. Mbahin’s main focus is on the development of innovative, low cost and environment-friendly approach to control diseases and particularly Vector-borne diseases. I hold a Ph.D on Veterinary Entomology & Parasitology, M.Sc. in Tropical Animal Health and on Aquatic Resources Management and Aquaculture, with more than 15 years International work experience around the Africa Continent. I started my career as extension advisor in the area of Agriculture, livestock production & health. While working in these fields I has focused my attention gradually towards control of mycology and helminthology, field based entomological, parasitological and serological research, teaching, supervision and project coordination which has become my main area of intervention in the last 15 years & managing continental project, has also increase my interest on new field like one health innovative solutions and scooping of climate change and mitigation. In my work, I also manage to create beneficial change, to not only deliver necessary socio economic aid, but to provide education necessary to assure communities understand the value of these programs and learn how to perpetuate their benefits independently with positive impact on their daily live.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Fatoumata BARRY, Dogo SECK, Fatoumata Coulibaly, Papa Sam GUEYE, Bouna CAMARA, Ousmane FAYE, Mamadou FALL, Amadou DIOUF and Norber MBAHIN (2019). An overview of bee diseases in Senegal. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa; volume 66 No 2 (Pages 534-544)
Fatoumata BARRY and Norber MBAHIN (2018). Beekeeping diagnostic in four production basins in Senegal: an analysis of Disturbances and apicultural practices observed, double with, opportunities and weaknesses. Lambert Academic Publishing Services, Moldova, Europe, 124 pp.

Fatoumata BARRY, Dogo SECK, Ousmane FAYE,Amadou DIOUF, Ibrahima Diawara, Bouna CAMARA, Ibrahima CISS, Serge N. BAKOU and Norber MBAHIN (2018). Beekeeping diagnostic in four production basins in Senegal: an analysis of opportunities and weaknesses. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences. Pages 1186-1198. 6046

R.K. Saini, B.O. Orindi, N. Mbahin, J.A. Andoke, P.N. Muasa, D.M. Mbuvi, C. M. Muya, J. A. Pickett, C. W. Borgemeister (2017). Protecting cows in small holder farms in East Africa from tsetse flies by mimicking the odor profile of a non-host bovid. PLoS Negl Trop Dis11(10): e0005977. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0005977
N. MBAHIN, H. Affognon, J. Andoke, M. Tiberius, D. Mbuvi, J. Otieno and S. K. Rajinder (2013). Parasitological prevalence of bovine trypanosomiasis prior to field trial of tsetse repellent technology in Kubo Division of Kwale County of coastal Kenya. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 8 (1): 28-36, 2013.
N. MBAHIN, S. K. RAINA, E. N. KIOKO and J. M. MUEKE (2012). Biology of the wild silkmoth Anaphe panda (Boisduval) in the Kakamega Forest of western Kenya. International Journal of Forestry Research, Volume 2012, (2012), Article ID 186549, 7 pp. doi:10.1155/2012/1865499.
N. MBAHIN, S. K. RAINA, E. N. KIOKO and J. M. MUEKE (2010). Use of Net Sleeves to Improve Survival of Anaphe panda Boisduval Silkworms (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) in the Kakamega Forest of western Kenya. 9pp. Journal of Insect Science 10:6.

Miss

Simran

Patel

Ph.D. candidate

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Outreach, Vaccine development

My Ph.D. project investigates the role of glymphatic function during cryptococcal infection, using an in vivo mouse model of cryptococcal meningitis. The glymphatic system is recently discovered in the field of neuroscience, therefore, its role in infectious diseases of the central nervous system is not known. Hence, this project aims to generate novel insights into the interplay between glymphatic fluid dynamics and cryptococcal infection. The proposed findings could contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying disease progression and potentially inform the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

Simran is a Ph.D. candidate in Neuroscience and Physiology at the University of Cape Town. Her research explores the role of glymphatic function during cryptococcal infection, using an in vivo mouse model of cryptococcal meningitis. She employs advanced preclinical techniques, including tissue clearing immunofluorescence, and is currently optimizing a cannula implantation model to deliver fluorescent tracers into the cisterna magna of mice—work that contributes to a deeper understanding of neuroimmune interactions and fluid dynamics in the infected brain.

Simran holds an undergraduate degree and honours in Psychology from the University of Pretoria, as well as a master’s in Brain Sciences from the University of Glasgow. Her academic path reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation, bridging behavioral neuroscience with molecular and physiological approaches.

She has mentored visiting researchers and medical students, and is passionate about collaborative, hands-on learning environments. Simran aspires to apply her expertise in a highly specialized preclinical contract research organization (CRO) or biotechnology company, where she can contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for neurological diseases.

Outside the lab, Simran enjoys running along Cape Town’s scenic routes and discovering the city’s vibrant food scene—one bite at a time.

Miss

Chalwe

Sokoni

Laboratory Scientist

Academia

Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital

Zambia

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Virulence factors

My research interest includes microbial pathogenesis, investigating virulence determinants of microorganisms, antibiotic resistance and Bioinformatics and Genomics.

Ms Chalwe Sokoni is Medical laboratory Scientist/Researcher with over 5 years of clinical diagnostic practice and research experience. She holds an BSc in Biology with a focus on Biotechnology and Microbiology from the Copperbelt University and a Certificate in Medical Mycology from the National Institute for communicable diseases in South Africa.
Her research interests include microbial pathogenesis, investigating virulence determinants of microorganisms, antibiotic resistance and vaccine immunology, and bioinformatics. In all these areas of her research interest, she has authored and co-authored 2 articles in peer-reviewed journals which include Genomic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Vibrio cholerae Isolates from Africa: A PulseNet Africa Initiative Using Nanopore Sequencing to Enhance Genomic Surveillance
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628868v1 and Candida and Bacterial skin colonization of critically-ill patients in two tertiary healthcare facilities in Zambia
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107509.
Currently, she is a full-time laboratory Scientist at University teaching hospitals. She is a competent and highly ingenious scientist who has utilized acquired skills and knowledge to the betterment of healthcare at the University teaching Hospital.

Verónica

Mary

Assistant Researcher

Academia

CIBICI-CONICET Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología

Argentina

Aspergillus, Biomarker, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Omics, Other spp.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a PhD in Chemical Sciences from the Faculty of Chemical Sciences at the National University of Córdoba (FCQ-UNC).
I am a member of the CONICET Research Program, where I currently work as an Assistant Researcher. My work addresses the topic: “Participation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity of aflatoxin B1 individually and in combination with fumonisin B1 or other fungal compounds contaminating food,” under the supervision of Dr. Héctor Rubinstein and co-supervision of Dr. Martín Theumer.
I am currently a professor in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at FCQ-UNC, having held the position of Adjunct Professor in the Food Microbiology course in the Biochemistry and Chemistry undergraduate programs since 2020. I am also a professor in the Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology and the Master’s Program in Conservation of Cultural Assets at UNC.
I have co-authored 16 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, written a book chapter, and to date have presented more than 50 papers at national and international scientific conferences and meetings.

Associate Prof

Mohamed Suhail

Rafudeen

Academic

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Aspergillus, Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Other spp.

Investigation of the defense response of maize at the molecular level to important fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides.
https://science.uct.ac.za/department-mcb/contacts/suhail-rafudeen

Dr Suhail Rafudeen is an Associate Professor, group leader of the Plant Stress & GEM Groups and current Head of Department in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, UCT. His research focuses on abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in crop plants. A/Prof has four main research areas, firstly, to understand the molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress responses in maize and cereals using indigenous desiccation tolerant resurrection plants such as Xerophyta schlechteri, Xerophyta viscosa and Eragrostis nindensis as model systems. Secondly, to investigate the defense response of maize at the molecular level to important fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides among other. Thirdly, to understand how seaweed-derived biostimulants and novel soluble chitosan biopolymers can be used to mitigate abiotic and/or biotic stress. Lastly, and most importantly, to use the knowledge generated by our research to benefit farmers and increase food security in a tangible way.
As of 24th May 2024, he has a Google Scholar/Harzing PoP H-index of 22 (i-index 20) and 1066 citations and a Scopus H-index of 17 and 1076 citations (self-citations excluded). He has a NRF C2 rating and a steady and consistent research output with publications in accredited international journals.
He uses various systems biology approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) together with molecular biology to explore and investigate specific genes and he has knowledge and skills in DNA/RNA extraction and isolation, PCR and RT-PCR, real-time quantitative PCR, Southern/Northern hybridisation using radioactive and non-radioactive methods, recombinant DNA procedures (cloning, ligations, restrictions), protein expression, extraction, purification, 1D and 2D PAGE, proteomics (2D and gel-free), western blotting, plant tissue culture techniques and basic bioinformatics.
He supervises and manages a large cohort of post-graduate students and is heavily involved in research and project management which involves designing experiments, recruiting students, selecting the most suitable research strategy and methodology, ensuring timelines are met, research guidance of students and overseeing completion of theses and publication of papers. This also involves writing of grants and managing financial resources optimally and to the benefit of the project(s) being funded including administrative tasks such as purchasing of consumables and equipment. He has graduated numerous PhD, MSc and Hons students and has published in accredited international peer-reviewed journals. In the broader university, he is currently Head of Department and has a variety of departmental and faculty responsibilities and oversight.

Prof

MARTIN

THEUMER

Professor and researcher

Academia

National University of Córdoba

Argentina

Biomarker

https://cibici.conicet.gov.ar/micologia-de-alimentos-y-micotoxicologia/

Martín G. Theumer finished in 1999 the undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the National University of Cordoba (UNC), Argentina, and then in 2004 obtained his doctorate in Chemistry at the same University.
He did postdoctoral trainings at the Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of the UNC (2006-2008), at the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of the UNC (2008 to 2009), and at the Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR1331 ToxAlim, Toulouse, France (2012 y 2013).
Dr. Theumer is Independent Researcher of the Argentinian National Research Council (CONICET).
He is Associate Professor of Food microbiology, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, UNC.
He is Director and Professor in the Master’s program in food science and technology, and professor in the Master’s program in conservation of cultural patrimony, at UNC.
Dr. Theumer is Professor of Food Microbiology in the Master and Specialization in Bromatology, Master in Applied Microbiology and Microbiological Quality Control, and Diploma in Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia.
Is co-author of forty-two papers in refereed scientific journals and wrote six book chapters. Until present, he has presented more than one hundred works in national and international congresses and scientific meetings.

Iddya

Karunasagar

Advisor

Academia

NITTE University

India

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobials, resistance genes, mobile genetic elements and horizontal transfer of resistance genes, survival fitness of resistant microorganisms, relation between resistance and virulence, microbial biofilms and environmental persistence, transmission pathways, alternative therapies.

I am a medical microbiologist by training and went into aquatic microorganisms, fish health, food safety and antimicrobial resistance. I have experience of working with all types of microorganisms and their ability to cause disease in aquaculture. I served in academia and then moved to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of UN, where I was Senior Fisheries Officer for about a decade. After return from these, I am with Nitte University, which has been designated FAO Reference Center for Antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture biosecurity. We organise capacity building workshops and the last one was in Nov 2024 that was attended by 40 participants from 15 countries. I am interested collaboration on AMR and related issues.

Dr.

Helvécio

Rocha

Researcher

Academia

Oswaldo Cruz Institute -Fiocruz

Brazil

Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Sporothrix, Working with industry

Our research group is heavily involved in projects for new delivery systems based on amphotericin B and itraconazole in the antifungal group. We have consolidated experience in the development of formulations and their physico-chemical and “in vitro” biopharmaceutical characterization, particularly in the field of dissolution/release methods. We seek to strengthen partnerships in the field of biological trials, mainly in efficacy, toxicity and pharmacokinetic tests. In addition, we work with “in silico” pharmacokinetic modeling, with a view to extrapolating results to different human pathophysiological conditions, as well as different age groups.

Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Federal University of Juiz de For a and PhD in Polymer Science and Technology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. I have experience in R&D in the pharmaceutical field, both academic and industrial, working mainly on new drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical technology, pre-formulation and nanotechnology. Professor in three post-graduate programs, supervising more than 50 dissertations and thesis. Actually coordinating the Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory (LMN). I worked directly in the manufacturing development of drug products, involving fixed-dose combinations and pediatric formulations. I migrated my career to technological innovation, mainly based on micro and nanotechnology, with one of the priority focuses on the development of drug delivery systems with a view to new routes of administration, controlled release for antimicrobials. We currently have a consistent group working mainly with the oral, pulmonary and nasal routes (especially nose-to-brain), seeking to use technological alternatives that mitigate the challenges of microbial drug resistance.
http://lattes.cnpq.br/2176296530102185

Kentse

Mpolokeng

Senior Lecturer

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops

I have recently joined the Cryptolab in the Department of Human Biology at the University of Cape
Town, where I am learning histology slide preparation, including immunohistochemistry and
immunofluorescence. This training will expand my research into brain vascular anatomy, particularly
focusing on human tissue infected with cryptococcal meningitis. I intend to incorporate these
techniques into my research and develop further projects for future postgraduate students. The skills I
am acquiring will also enable me to apply for competitive grants, supporting both my research and the
postgraduate students working with me.

Dr. Kentse Mpolokeng is a Clinical Anatomy senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology. She joined UCT in 2016 through the nGAP progamme as part of the first cohort since its inception. She holds a BSc (Human Biology), Honours (Anatomy and Cell morphology), Masters (Anatomy and Cell morphology) – Cum laude all from the University of the Free State, and PhD in Anatomy from the University of Cape Town. In 2017, she was listed under the Education Category in the Mail & Guardian #200 Young South Africans.

She specialises in Human Anatomy, teaching in the BSC Physiology second year, MBCHB 1st, 2nd and 3rd year (pre-clinical), BSc Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy second year and also is a course convenor for the first year BSC Speech and Audiology, Anatomy of Communication Sciences course. She also demonstrates on weekly practical dissection sessions for the 2nd and 3rd MBCHB classes. She took part in the Problem Based Learning (PBL) facilitation in the years 2016-2018.

Her research interests are in Medical Education, Gross Anatomy, and Human Anatomical Variations. She has also developed a new research interest in Anatomy Imaging as it formed part of her PhD thesis where she looked at angiograms recording and reporting on: the Variations in arterial supply via the external and internal carotid arteries to the bony orbit and eyeball in Full-term fetuses, infants, children, adolescents and adults. Recently, she has joined the Cryptolab in the Department of Human Biology at the University of Cape Town, where she is learning histology slide preparation, including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. This training will expand my research into brain vascular anatomy, particularly focusing on human tissue infected with cryptococcal meningitis. She intends to incorporate these techniques into her research and develop further projects for future postgraduate students. The skills she is acquiring will also enable her to apply for competitive grants, supporting both her research and the postgraduate students working with her.

She is an active member of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) and South African Women in Science and Engineering (SAWISE). She has presented some of her research work in both local and international Anatomy conferences, including Departmental conferences.

Zikora

Anyaegbunam

Researcher/Lecturer

University of Nigeria

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach

My primary research interest lies in the study of resistant infectious diseases, particularly bacteria and fungal infections.
My fascination with the intricate mechanism of life at the molecular level has driven my academic and research interest in microbiology. I am eager to explore how some of the pathogenic fungi and bacteria of public health concerns can be harnessed for innovative medical solutions.

Anyaegbunam Zikora is a microbiologist with bachelor’s degree in microbiology and postgraduate degrees in medical microbiology. She is committed to the highest standard of research and laboratory practices. As an early career researcher, she has over fifteen publications and has attended several conferences. She possesses strong project management and team work skills.

Tosin

Kolawole

Resident

University of Ilorin

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

Epidemiology, antifungal resistance and molecular mechanisms of resistance in Candida species, especially Fluconazole resistance

I hold a BSc in Microbiology and MB;BS from the university of Ilorin. Currently a senior registrar in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. I am passionate about combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting antimicrobial stewardship

Agostina

Salusso

Postdoctoral Researcher

Academia

CIBICI-CONICET Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Argentina

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

My main research interests focus on host–pathogen interactions, particularly the molecular mechanisms involved in microbial virulence, immune response regulation, and antimicrobial resistance. I have experience working with protozoan parasites (such as Giardia lamblia), bacterial pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica), and antifungal immune responses.
My current research includes the study of IL-17 signaling in skin inflammation and the role of the microbiota in patients with psoriasis and HIV infection.

Research profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Agostina-Salusso

I am a postdoctoral researcher at CIBICI-CONICET and the National University of Córdoba (Argentina), with a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences and an M.Sc. in Biology. My research background spans microbiology, parasitology, and immunology, with a strong focus on host–pathogen interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and epigenetic regulation in protozoan parasites, particularly Giardia lamblia.
Throughout my career, I have participated in both national and international research projects, including a postdoctoral stay in the United States studying copper homeostasis in Salmonella enterica. I am currently involved in projects on IL-17 signaling in skin inflammation and the role of the microbiota in patients with psoriasis and HIV. I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary and collaborative research aimed at understanding infectious diseases and immune responses.

ResearchGate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Agostina-Salusso

Nestor

Portela

Biochemist of Molecular Diagnosis Department

Commercial Organisation

LACE Laboratorios

Argentina

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Omics, One Health and Education

My main research interests focus on clinical molecular diagnostics and the application of microbiota analysis to human health. I specialize in next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, particularly 16S rRNA and ITS2 analysis, and I am currently involved in projects exploring host-microbiota interactions and their role in metabolic diseases. I also work on standardizing bioinformatics pipelines for microbiome data analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility.

I am a clinical biochemist with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, currently leading the Molecular Diagnostics division with a focus on microbiota-based approaches to health. My work centers on the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the characterization of bacterial and fungal communities, particularly through 16S rRNA and ITS2 profiling. I am interested in the clinical implications of the gut microbiome, especially in relation to metabolic diseases, and in the integration of standardized bioinformatics tools to ensure reproducibility and accuracy across studies. I am also pursuing a specialization in Genetics, with the aim of strengthening translational research between genomics, microbiota, and human health. In parallel, I am involved in academic teaching and curriculum development in molecular diagnostics and microbiome science.

Susana

Pesoa

Director of Department of Molecular Diagnosis

Commercial Organisation

LACE Laboratorios

Argentina

Diagnostics, Education and Workshops

My main research interests focus on the application of molecular diagnostics in oncology, particularly the use of genetic biomarkers to support precision medicine. I’m especially involved in studies related to the implementation of genomic technologies in clinical practice, as well as collaborations with pharmaceutical companies conducting biomarker-driven clinical trials.
In addition, I’ve worked on several research projects related to the human microbiota, exploring its role in health and disease. These studies have focused on characterizing microbiome profiles in different clinical contexts and understanding host–microbiota interactions through molecular approaches.
Currently, I’m also engaged in educational initiatives, including organizing academic events on research methodology for early-career professionals in the field of genetics and molecular biology.
At the moment, I don’t have a personal research webpage, but I’d be happy to share further details or publications upon request.

Dr. Susana Pesoa is a PhD in Biochemistry with a strong background in genetic diagnostics, oncology research, and microbiota studies. Her career has focused on the application of molecular techniques to improve clinical outcomes, particularly through the identification and validation of genetic biomarkers relevant to cancer and other complex diseases.
Dr. Pesoa has played a leading role in integrating molecular diagnostic tools in clinical practice and has collaborated extensively with pharmaceutical companies on biomarker-driven clinical trials. Her work supports the advancement of precision medicine and personalized therapeutic approaches.
At present she work as a Director of the Department of Molecular Diagnosis in LACE Laboratory in Cordoba Argentina, previously she was a Senior Research in Sales Foundation in Argentina and a Visiting Professor of University of Texas at MDAnderson Cancer Center.
In parallel, she has conducted original research on the human microbiota, investigating its composition and functional implications in health and disease. Her published studies include international collaborations exploring the gut microbiome in obesity, dietary influences, and host–microbiota interactions.
Alongside her scientific work, Dr. Pesoa is dedicated to academic development, regularly organizing and contributing to educational initiatives aimed at training young professionals and postgraduate students in the field of genetics, molecular biology, and research methodology.
She is the author of multiple peer-reviewed publications and remains actively involved in translational research projects that bridge laboratory science with clinical innovation.

Peter Seah Keng

Tok

Public Health Medicine Specialist

Academia

Institute for Clinical Research (ICR), NIH Malaysia

Malaysia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

Interests in infectious diseases epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance. Ongoing projects include analyses of antibiotics utilisation in Malaysia, examining patterns across public and private healthcare settings, and at both primary care and hospital levels, as well as observational studies on antimicrobial resistance using routinely collected surveillance databases.

Medical doctor by background with postgraduate training in public health and epidemiology. Experience in conducting observational studies and facilitating clinical trials in Malaysia.

ARCHANA

KECHE

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL/RESEARCHER

Academia

All India Institute of Medical Sciences

India

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus

My main research interest is medical Mycology. Till now explored the various diagnostic serological & molecular aspects of Mucormycosis, Aspergillosis, Candidiasis, Dermatophytosis.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=rKFMRhsAAAAJ

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=rKFMRhsAAAAJ

I am interested in medical mycology and working on various fungi like aspergillus, mucormycosis, dermatophytosis. Doing Antifungal sucesptibility of yeast and filamenous fungi.

Rodrigo

Almeida-Paes

Investigator

Academia

Carlos Chagas Institute – Fiocruz

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Omics, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Innovation on diagnosis and treatment of mycotic diseases, especially histoplasmosis, sporotrichosis and paracoccidioidomycosis. Besides these three major mycoses of interest, I have also worked on Candida, Mucorales, dermatophytes and black fungi. A list of my projects and publications can be found at htpp://lattes.cnpq.br/5430693154360902

Link for my biography: htpp://lattes.cnpq.br/5430693154360902
My major collaboration interests at this moment are the development of new diagnostic tests for mycotic infections and the discovery of new compounds with antifungal activity.

LESEGO

MOTHIBI

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY

Academia

University of Witwatersrand

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Patient engagement, Sporothrix

My main research interest are on antifungal susceptibility testing and emergence of resistance in fungi.
Infection prevention and control of nosocomial infections.
One Health Approach

Dr. Lesego Mothibi is a pathologist at National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) since 2018. She is based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). She is also a lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She supervises students’ Masters and Honours degree research projects. She obtained her postgraduate training (registrar) at the University of Witwatersrand. She obtained her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) in 2002 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal – Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. She recently qualified as an IPC specialist.
She serves in the following CHBAH committees: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) as a deputy chairperson & is a member of the infection prevention and control (IPC)committee. She is part of the AMS team that started the CHBAH online AMS course. Besides AMS and IPC, she also has a special interest in the ‘One Health Approach’.

Her research interest include the following: antifungal susceptibility testing and emergence of MDRO.
Infection prevention and control of nosocomial infections and One Health Approach

Prof.

Alexandre

Alanio

MD, PhD

Academia

Institut Pasteur

France

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Sporothrix

Interested to belong to this global network working on different aspects of fungal research and diagnosis.

Pr Alexandre Alanio is an M.D., Ph.D., expert in medical mycology and medical parasitology. He is currently Professor at Université Paris Cité (Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France), heading the mycology-parasitology laboratory at Saint-Louis hospital, Head of the translational mycology group (Department of Mycology) at Institut Pasteur and Deputy director of the French National Reference Center for Mycoses and Antifungals.
He owns more than 160 international publications and 5 international patents. He is currently teaching at the Université Paris Cité for medical students and Master and PhD students, and at the Medical Mycology Course of the Institut Pasteur.
He is leading a group at Institut Pasteur focusing on the heterogeneity of fungal populations focusing specifically on dormancy and persistence in Cryptococcus neoformans and in pathophysiology of invasive fungal infections. He aims at bridging medical mycology with basic research on the pathophysiology of invasive fungal infections and translating new biological tools (bench) into diagnostic test for fungal and parasitic infections (bedside).
On the bedside, he is actively working on the development of new molecular diagnostic tools for pneumocystosis, histoplasmosis, mucormycosis, aspergillosis, and other mold infections and endemic mycoses. He is also interested in the molecular epidemiology of antifungal resistance in clinically relevant fungi, in particular Aspergillus fumigatus or Candida glabrata. He published the ECIL-5 recommendation for the diagnosis of pneumocystosis in hematology patients and was part of the ECIL-9 panel of experts on fungal biomarkers in hematology patients. He is part of the JPIAMR INFORM Network executive committee. He is member of ECCMID, ISHAM and ASM and is currently editor of Microbiology spectrum (ASM) and mBio (ASM), and Medical Mycology (ISHAM), Journal of Clinical Microbiology (ASM) and Helyion (Cell press).

Doctor

Patrick

Kisaka

Infectious disease and antibiostewardship Flying referent

Commercial Organisation

Médecin sans frontière (DRC)

Congo

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

My main research interests focus on infectious diseases in humanitarian and low-resource settings, with a particular emphasis on antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic stewardship, and HIV/AIDS care. I am also interested in operational research that supports evidence-based decision-making for medical and programmatic strategies in field settings.

I am currently engaged in activities that aim to optimize antimicrobial use across multiple Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) projects, and I contribute to training, supervision, and protocol development for infectious diseases management. I also support outbreak response interventions, including surveillance and clinical case management for diseases such as typhoid fever.
I am open to collaboration and knowledge-sharing with colleagues in the FAILSAFE network.

Dr. Patrick Kisaka is a Congolese medical doctor currently working as Antibiotic Stewardship and Infectious Diseases Focal Point with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 2014, he has been actively involved in MSF’s HIV/AIDS project in Kinshasa, where he also serves as a coach and supervisor for the medical team. His role focuses on supporting rational antimicrobial use, guiding infectious diseases management, and providing capacity building for clinical teams across multiple MSF projects.

Dr. Kisaka previously worked with the NGO Médecin d’Afrique as a project lead for performance-based financing in health. He also has experience in health systems strengthening, quality improvement, and outbreak response. He is passionate about medical education and operational research, and he is currently involved in various initiatives aiming to optimize care in resource-limited settings.

He is open to collaboration and exchange with peers in the FAILSAFE network, particularly around antimicrobial stewardship, infectious disease management in humanitarian contexts, and field-based clinical mentoring.

Mrs

Nusifah

Mbatudde

District Laboratory Focal Person

Academia

Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Uganda

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Other spp.

Molecular characterisation, population structure and fluconazole succeptibility of non-albican candida species isoalted from HIV patients in south western uganda

I am a female microbiologist working with Mbarara district as a district laboratory focal person, I have worked as medical laboratory technologist for over 6 years. Completed my masters degree in mycology and an working on my PHD proposal, participated in lecturing students at Mbarara university of science and Technology.

Richard

Kwizera

Research Scientist

Academia

Makerere University

Uganda

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Lateral Flow test, Patient engagement

I have interest in studying the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and control of Cryptococcus, Candida, Pneumocystis and Aspergillus species.
• ORCID : 0000-0002-5270-3539.
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BO-f6aYAAAAJ&hl=en
• Work in My Bibliography: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1voSkO9u4J8Qm/bibliography/public/
• Scopus Author ID: 55973411300
• Web of Science Researcher ID: I-5247-2019
• Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard-Kwizera

Dr Richard Kwizera is a trained medical mycologist and research scientist with a goal of developing translational research in HIV-associated opportunistic infections in Uganda and across the East-African region. He has a special research interest in opportunistic fungal infections and fungal immunology. He is highly experienced in a broad spectrum of laboratory techniques. He has been involved with research project design, grant proposal writing, project management and Laboratory management. He has taught and supervised postgraduate students. He has contributed to over 82 publications of which he is a first author on 24 of them. He is an editor for IMA Fungus and a reviewer for over 10 journals. He is a member of the meningitis group investigating the outcomes of HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis. I am a member of the research team evaluating the incidence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with past TB. He is a Ugandan ambassador for the Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI). He is a member of the WHO Global Mycetoma Working Group. He is a member of the ISHAM Pan African fungal working group. He is a member of the African Mycological Association (AfriMA). In 2024, he was awarded the Ethel Mary Doidge Medal for Young African Mycologists by the International Mycological Association. He has previously won independent funding through research, academic, travel, equipment and public engagement grants. Over the years, he has picked up great interest in studying the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and control of Cryptococcus, Candida, Pneumocystis and Aspergillus species since they are the commonest opportunistic fungal infections among HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa.

Louise

Walport

Senior Lecturer

Academia

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms

https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/l.walport

Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Organic Chemistry

Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Genetics

Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics

https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/find-a-researcher/louise-walport

Louise obtained her PhD in chemical biology from the University of Oxford in 2014 under the supervision of Prof. Chris Schofield and Prof. Christina Redfield. She used a combination of biochemical and structural techniques to study the structure and function of ‘reader’ and ‘eraser’ proteins involved in epigenetics.

Following further postdoctoral work in Oxford, she obtained a Global Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship to work in Japan for two years in the laboratory of Hiroaki Suga at the University of Tokyo, with a return year in Chris Schofield’s laboratory at the University of Oxford. In 2018, she established her lab at the Francis Crick Institute in a joint appointment with the Chemistry Department at Imperial College London.

Leslie Thian Lung

Than

Associate Professor

Academia

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Malaysia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Virulence factors, Working with industry

https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/20200924084837Short_biography_-Dr_Leslie.pdf

His main research interests include fungal pathogenesis of Candida glabrata particularly looking into its metabolic flexibility; he is also into development of fungal diagnostics. In addition, he is very active in probiotics and leptospirosis research.

https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/20200924084837Short_biography_-Dr_Leslie.pdf

Dr. Than specialises in Medical Mycology. Currently, he serves as the coordinator of Mycology Lab and Medical Microbiology Culture Collection (MMCC) in his department. He is a Committee Member in the Institutional Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee (IBBC) UPM. His main research interests include fungal pathogenesis of Candida glabrata particularly looking into its metabolic flexibility; he is also into development of fungal diagnostics. In addition, he is very active in probiotics and leptospirosis research. He has published more than 50 research articles in high-impact journals and holds several intellectual properties. He secured many competitive research grants namely e-Science Fund, FRGS, LRGS (as a subproject leader) and PRGS. He serves an Academic Editor (Microbiology) in Biomed Research International journal. He is the Honorary Treasurer for the Malaysian Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria (MSLAB) and a member of International Society of Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) and American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

Dr.

Shreosi

Chatterjee

FWO Junior Postdoctoral fellow

Academia

KU Leuven University

Belgium

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Combination therapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis

My current research includes development of nano-based therapeutics that combine with antifungal drugs. This innovative approach is aimed at disrupting the fungal biofilm matrix and eliminating the persister cells of Candida auris, a highly drug-resistant pathogen. The goal of this research is to design more effective treatments for fungal infections, particularly those associated with persistent biofilm formation.
Current research web page:
https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/nl/person/00175094
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4803-0834

I completed my Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India, under the supervision of Prof. Surajit Das. The key findings from my Ph.D. thesis include: (1) the development of a six-stage biofilm structure in mangrove filamentous fungi, with the extracellular matrix containing functional groups suitable for metal binding, (2) the ability of fungal biofilms to facilitate Cr(VI) sequestration within five hours of exposure, (3) the use of mycosynthesized superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles for the selective detoxification of Cr(VI) in two hours, and (4) the identification of genes involved in biofilm matrix formation and chromium resistance in these fungi. Additionally, I investigated the potential of manglicolous fungi in the degradation of synthetic dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), revealing the crucial role of fungal lignolytic enzymes in pollutant degradation.
I also contributed to a field study that involved the toxicological analysis of soil and water samples from four coal mine regions: forest zone, overburden dump site, biologically reclaimed area, and fly ash site. The study led to the determination of (1) microbial diversity and total carbon sequestration, (2) the bioaccumulation and mobility of heavy metals in the food chain, and (3) the quality of soil, water, and air in mining areas.
As a first author, I have published five research articles, one review article, and a book chapter. Additionally, I have contributed as a co-author to six research articles and three review articles. Notably, my investigation on fungal biofilm-mediated chromium sequestration from tannery wastewater led to the granting of an Indian Patent (Patent No: 394979). Kindly find my research in ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4803-0834 and Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_JxyyRcAAAAJ&hl=en
I also had the privilege of mentoring several undergraduate and graduate trainees in their bachelor’s and master’s theses, guiding them through experimental design and data analysis. I presented my research at international and national conferences, including a poster presentation on chromium sequestration at an international conference in California, USA, and several oral and poster presentations on my research in fungal diversity and mycosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles at national events.
In 2024, I worked as a Research Associate at the Center for Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), Mohali, under the guidance of Dr. Saswata Goswami, where I gained valuable experience in microbial fermentation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable polymer with significant industrial applications.
Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Fellow funded by the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO), working under Prof. Van Dijck in the Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology. My current research focuses on the development of nano-based therapeutics combining lipid nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles with antifungal drugs. The aim is to disrupt fungal biofilm matrices and target persister cells of Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant pathogen, to enhance treatment efficacy for fungal infections.
With my extensive expertise in biofilm biology, nanotechnology, analytical techniques, and microbial and molecular biology, I hope to contribute meaningfully to this FAILSAFE Medical Mycology Network’s ongoing research and bring valuable insights into future collaborative projects.

Mr.

Tahsin

Khan

Research Officer

Academia

icddr,b

Bangladesh

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

Evolution, pathogenesis and burden of bacterial and fungus diseases in Bangladesh employing multi-omits technologies.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qoWy1VQAAAAJ&hl=en

I am currently working as a Research Officer and lead bioinformatician in the Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b. I recently completed an MPhil in Biological Science at the University of Cambridge, with my thesis conducted at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. My research focused on phage-bacterial pathogenesis and changes in microbial abundances through wastewater metagenomics.

Throughout my research career, I have explored the spread of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance in Bangladesh. My current work involves investigating the evolution and burden of Candida auris, C. vulturna, C. albicans, C. blankii, and Aspergillus fumigatus within the country. In addition, I am examining the impact of microbiota-directed complementary food (MDCF) on the re-establishment of gut microbiota in children with persistent diarrhoea, using metagenomic approaches.

Indrani

Karunasagar

Director (Projects and DST TEC)

Academia

NITTE University

India

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am currently Director, Projects and Technology Enabling Center at Nitte University. I was the founder Director of Nitte University Center for Science Education and Research (NUCSER) which is a teaching and research institution with a focus on biomedical sciences and infectious diseases. As a researcher, I have been working in the area of aquatic animal health and antimicrobial resistance. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of United Nations has designated Nitte University as FAO Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity. As FAO Reference Center, we have been involved in contributing to capacity development in Asia and Africa. In November 2024, we organised an international training workshop on “Utilising microbiome and genomic resources for understanding and mitigating antimicrobial resistance in one health context. At NUCSER, I have faculty working on dermatophytes and other fungi and we are involved in all areas of infectious diseases and therapy

Prof. Dr. Indrani Karunasagar, is a M.Sc., PhD in Medical Microbiology. She started her career in medical schools as Senior resident JIPMER, Lecturer in KMC Manipal followed by Assistant Professor, Associate Professor of Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Professor & Head, Microbiology, Karnataka Veterinary University, College of Fisheries, Mangalore and Associate Director of Research at the Veterinary University. She started the Nitte University centre for Science Education and Research with ONE HEALTH programmes, was Director R & D and is presently Director, Projects and the Technology Enabling Centre of Department of Science and Technology.
She has been a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, UK, UNESCO Biotechnology Fellow, University of Maryland, College Park, USA, Senior Overseas Associate of DBT at the Centre for Marine Biotechnology, Baltimore, University of Maryland, USA, IOC fellow, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, visiting scientist for six years to the University of Wurzburg, Germany, visiting scientist, University of Ghent, Belgium, FAO Aquatic Animal health project fellow to Qingdao, Beijing, Rome, has served on several national and international Committees including FAO/WHO, Joint Expert Committee on Microbiological Risk Assessment, Member, FAO subcommittee on antimicrobial resistance, Scientific Adviser, International Foundation of Science, Sweden, Faculty, International Life Science Institute, Singapore and National Academy of Science, USA, Director, UNESCO MIRCEN for Marine Biotechnology, International Jury for UNESCO Life Science Prize for research and social relevance and heads the FAO Reference Centre for AMR and Aquaculture Biosecurity. She led several national and International collaborative projects (Indo-Swedish, Indo-German, Indo-Australian, Indo-Belgium, Indo-Norway, Indo-UK, Indo-Sri Lanka).
She is the recipient of National Technology Development Award, Govt. of India; Sir. M. Visvesvaraya Award for Excellence in Research and Lifetime Contribution to Science and Technology, GoK; Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, ICAR; Lifetime Achievement Award, Department of Biotechnology; Outstanding Woman Scientist Award, ICAR; Dr.M.S.Swaminathan Award PFGF; National Bio-scientist award, DST, GoI; Asia Pacific Award for eminence in Aquatic Virology, IVS; T.V.R. Pillai award for highest impact factor in publication; Lifetime Achievement award ,National Association of Biomedical Scientists, Fellowship of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Fellow and Karnataka Science and Technology Academy

Dr.

Fiwasade

Rom-Kalilu

Lecturer

Academia

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement

I have a strong interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat to sustainable livestock production and public health, and also in the One Health framework. In areas with limited veterinary infrastructures, the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials is widespread, contributing to the rise of resistant organisms. My current research focuses on multi drug-resistant bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella spp.) in food animals and some selected products in a part of Southwestern Nigeria. I have also investigated anthelmintic resistance in cattle, as well as the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths and associated risk factors in pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats.

Dr. Rom-Kalilu is a lecturer at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria, with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine. Her research focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and One health. She is particularly drawn to understanding the interactions between animal, human, and environmental health, with the goal of contributing to more effective and sustainable disease control strategies. Currently, she is conducting research on multi drug-resistant bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella spp.) in food animals (cattle, pigs and poultry) and some selected animal-derived products in a part of Southwestern Nigeria.
Beyond the laboratory and classroom, she has participated as a Learning Partner under the One Planet Fellowship initiative at African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), where she strengthened her leadership and scientific communication skills, broadened her perspective on interdisciplinary collaborations. Under the initiative, she also led an outreach introducing high school students to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the roles of STEM in addressing global health challenges.
As an early-career scientist, she is particularly interested in collaborative and interdisciplinary work that drives innovative solutions to AMR challenges. Through the FAILSAFE Medical Mycology Network, she hopes to connect with researchers, mentors, and stakeholders committed to advancing access, awareness and action in fungal AMR and beyond. She hopes to gain additional skills, knowledge, and inspiration that will enable her to initiate research on fungal AMR in animals and contribute meaningfully to addressing and advancing the broader goals of One Health.
Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, baking, volunteering, reading, and traveling.

Mr.

Kamran

Riaz

Early Career Researcher

Academia

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences – UVAS

Pakistan

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Patient engagement

I am interested in various research areas for example
.. Research for antimicrobial resistance
..research for betterment and prosperity of our world
..research efforts for field biosafety and biosecurity.

Kamran Riaz an enthusiastic early researcher, leading researchers at university. Since adolescence I am trying to create a measurable increase in knowledge and research on the global issues and not yet succeeded.

Research is just not a work initiated and then forgotten, it’s alignment with you and your life is very essential.

Docteur

Yapo Thomas

ABA

Medical teacher and researcher

Academia

Bouaké University Hospital

Côte d’Ivoire

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Innovative Platforms

We are interested in risk management through antimicrobial resistance (prevalence, incidence, profile), vaccination and healthcare-associated infections in Côte d’Ivoire. Because there is little data available

– Associate Professor of Infectious and Tropical Diseases
– National Expert in Malaria
– Member of the Scientific Support Group for the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP)
– Member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee of the Bouaké University Hospital
– Member of the Research, Training, and Innovation Committee of the Bouaké University Hospital
– Member of the Ivorian Society of Infectious and Tropical Pathology
– Member of the African Society of Infectious Pathology
– Member of the French-Speaking Society of Infectious Pathology
– Member of the French Society of Hospital Hygiene
– Member of the Observatory of Resistance of Anti-infectious Microorganisms in Côte d’Ivoire
– Member of the Ivorian Society of Parasitology-Mycology
– Member of the Francophone Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health
– Co-author of educational manuals: e-PILLY Trop 2016 and 2022 web edition www.infectiologie.com and – “Tetanus – 20-02-2024” in EMC- Infectious Diseases, [8-038-G-10] – Doi: 0.1016/S1166-8598(24)47355-9

Dr.

Benson

Musinguzi

Senior Lecturer

Academia

Muni University

Uganda

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UTU2exMAAAAJ&hl=fr&oi=ao
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1211-4617

Specializing in diagnostic and medical microbiology and immunology.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1211-4617

Dr. Benson Musinguzi, Ph.D., is a prominent medical microbiologist and educator dedicated to advancing microbiology and laboratory science in Uganda. He obtained his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Makerere University, specializing in diagnostic and medical microbiology and immunology.
Dr. Benson Musinguzi is working chief medical laboratory technician (equivalent to senior lecturer) at Muni University, Arua, Uganda whose role is to supervise and operationalize all teaching, diagnostic and research laboratories at Muni University. Before joining Muni, He worked as a lecturer at Kampala international University (KIU), Bushenyi, Uganda and as microbiology and immunology consultant at King Ceasor University (KCU), Kampala, Uganda. In addition, he served as Laboratory services advisor at Infectious Diseases Institute housed in the College of health sciences at Makerere university and Baylor college of Medicine Uganda. He has supported Uganda National Health Laboratory Services Department(UNHLDS) under Ministry of Health to Strengthen Laboratory Quality Management Systems Towards Accreditation (SLMTA) and Biorisk management(BRM) implementation in Uganda.

Besides having a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology and a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Dr. Benson obtained PhD in Biomedical Sciences with special interest in medical microbiology at Makerere University, Uganda.

Benson is registered and licensed as a Microbiologist with Uganda allied Health professional’s council. He holds membership with several national and international professional bodies including Uganda Medical Laboratory Technologist’s Association (UMLTA), African society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), American Society of Microbiology (ASM) and certified by International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA)
He has published several articles in peer reviewed Journals and won several research grants
He is a relentless individual who endeavors to work diligently to maintain the academic standards, nurture the students towards a future of innovation and excellence as shown through his commitment and remarkable zeal of performance.

Mr.

S M Arefeen

Haider

Research Officer

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research , Bangladesh

Bangladesh

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

My research interest centers on the genomic epidemiology and molecular mechanisms of pathogenic fungi with a dual focus on clinical relevance and environmental persistence. I am particularly interested in antifungal-resistant species such as Candida auris, Trichophyton indotineae, and other emerging fungi that contribute to invasive or chronic infections. Incorporating a one-health approach, my work aims to investigate the environmental reservoirs and transmission pathways of fungal pathogens, especially in high-risk settings such as healthcare facilities, agricultural environments, and aquatic systems. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), metagenomics, and comparative genomics, I seek to explore the genetic basis of antifungal resistance, adaptation to environmental stressors, and the potential for cross-sector transmission between humans, animals, and ecosystems. My long-term goal is to support early detection, resistance monitoring, and the development of integrated public health interventions against antifungal-resistant fungi.

I am a microbiologist and currently working as a Research Officer at the Genome Centre, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b in Bangladesh. My work focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), microbial genomics, and the molecular characterization of bacterial and fungal pathogens. I have experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS), including whole-genome sequencing and metagenomics, which I use to explore resistance mechanisms, virulence factors, and pathogen evolution. In recent years, I have been involved in research on antifungal-resistant dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton indotineae, and have contributed to genomic surveillance efforts on Candida auris. I am also interested in the environmental aspects of fungal and bacterial pathogens, applying a one-health approach to understand their reservoirs and transmission routes.
I enjoy working at the intersection of laboratory science and bioinformatics, and I’m always open to collaborative opportunities that involve pathogen genomics, AMR, environmental microbiology, or broader public health challenges. I look forward to connecting with researchers from diverse backgrounds and exploring new ideas that contribute to advancing infectious disease research and global health.

Juan Camilo

Mejía-Giraldo

Professor-Researcher

Academia

Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops

My research areas focus on photobiology and bioprospecting, particularly the study of ingredients with cosmetic and medical applications, emphasizing photoprotective, anti-aging, anticancer, and antiseptic properties. In addition, I am involved in the design and development of formal stability studies for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, as well as in active cosmetovigilance, including the development and validation of analytical methods for the detection of banned ingredients in cosmetic products.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2722-988X
https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0001469469

I am a researcher specializing in photobiology and bioprospecting, with a particular interest in the study of ingredients with cosmetic and medical applications. My work focuses on exploring compounds with photoprotective, anti-aging, anticancer, and antiseptic properties. I also design and conduct formal stability studies for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In addition, I actively participate in cosmetovigilance initiatives, including the development and validation of analytical methods aimed at detecting banned ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

I have been a full-time professor at the University of Antioquia since 2018. I hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences (2016), a Specialization in Forensic Toxicology (2012), and a B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (2006), all from the same university. Before transitioning to academia, I worked for over six years in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, where I gained valuable experience in instrumental analysis, particularly in toxicological, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic contexts, as well as in the stability evaluation of a wide range of formulations.

Krishna

Kumar Ballamoole

Associate Professor

Academia

NITTE University

India

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Microbial Genomics
Host pathogen interactions
Development of rapid diagnosis for the pathogens of human and animal health significance

Dr. Krishna Kumar Ballamoole is a associate Professor at the Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER) in Mangaluru, Karnataka. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2014. Ballamoole’s research focuses on the genomic evolution, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance of human and animal pathogens. His work integrates classical microbiology, molecular biology, and next-generation sequencing to understand pathogen behavior and develop rapid diagnostic tools. He has led and collaborated on several government-funded projects, including the development of nanodiagnostic assays for dengue detection and the establishment of a DST-Technology Enabling Centre. His contributions have been recognized with awards.
With over 48 publications, Dr. Ballamoole has significantly advanced the understanding of foodborne and waterborne pathogens. He is also dedicated to mentoring, having supervised multiple Ph.D. candidates, and actively participates in academic and ethical committees at NUCSER

Pharmaceutical chemist

DUBALIER

HENAO ZULUAGA

Chief R+D-Pharmarket A.I S.A.S.

Industry

Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia

Colombia

Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, One Health and Education, Working with industry

Development of drugs product, formulation optimization and the scale-up to a future industrial stage.

Pharmaceuticals chemist, postgraduate in pharmaceutical Sciences and project management. 20 years of experience in research and development in the pharmaceutical industry in development in different finish pharmaceutical products like pharmaceutical no sterile solids, semisolids and liquid products, experience in scale-up pharmaceutical process and manufacture of medicines.

Education

1. 2019 MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences. Facultad de ciencias farmacéuticas y alimentarias. UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia-Colombia
2. 2010 Postgraduate Project management, Facultad de economia, UPB, Medellín, Antioquia-Colombia
3. 1998 – 2004 Pharmaceutical Chemist, Facultad de ciencias farmacéuticas y alimentarias. UdeA, Medellín, Antioquia-Colombia

Languages

Spanish (native speaker) and English.

Professional experience

1. Chief R+D-Pharmarket A.I S.A.S. April 2024 – current.
2. Associated professor of pharmaceutical Technology-UCES-2014-current
3. Supervisor Technology transfer – Bausch health. 2023-2024.
4. Analyst Technology transfer – Bausch health. 2016-2023.
5. Analyst Research +Development – Humax pharmaceutical. 2004-2016

Mirriam

Nyenje

Head of Genomics sequencing Laboratory

Commercial Organisation

Public Health Institute of Malawi Public Health Institute of Malawi

Malawi

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics

The Role of Estrogen-mimicking Endocrine Disrupting Componunds in Antifungal Drug Resistance

Mirriam has extensive experience and expertise in medical laboratory technologies, having worked for over 25 years. She has held various leadership positions in the TB Program, National Public Health Laboratory Services (including the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, National TB Reference Laboratory, and National Genomics Reference Laboratory), and has also served as a diagnostic expert at Family Health International 360 under the Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) USAID project.

Currently, Mirriam heads the National Genomics Reference Laboratory, where she coordinates and leads genomic surveillance for all pathogens of public health significance, as well as AMR surveillance. She successfully conducted the situational analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using a One Health approach. The findings of this analysis led to the development and launch of the Malawi National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. Malawi became the first country in Southern Africa to implement an AMR action plan, which resulted in the establishment of the AMR program and routine AMR surveillance in the country. Mirriam has actively led and participated in creating several national policies and strategic plans for various initiatives, including the National Laboratory Services, the AMR Strategic Plan, the Genomics Operational Plan, and the National TB Control Program.

Mirriam possesses vast experience in coordinating both local and regional programs. She successfully coordinated the diagnostic pillar under the Southern Africa TB Health System Strengthening by East Central and Southern Africa, the Cholera Genomics Initiative, and the DETECT project by Africa CDC.

EXPERIENCE IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH
• As a Research Scientist, Mirriam has worked in several areas to provide evidence- based information for decision- making. Below are some of her accomplishments:
• Genomic surveillance of pathogens of public health importance.
• Piloting a point- of- care cryptococcal antigenemia screening test in HIV patients with a CD 4 count of >200 and those in stage 3 or 4 WHO staging.
• Evaluating the antimicrobial effect of PRESEPT in comparison with sodium hypochlorite.
• Conducting a situational analysis of antimicrobial resistance in Malawi.
• Assessing the microbial quality of ready- to- eat foods sold in Alice, South Africa.
• Determining the ability of isolated foodborne pathogens to form biofilms and examining the architecture of the formed biofilms using a scanning electron microscope.
• Detecting and characterizing the virulence and resistance genes of foodborne pathogens.
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences.
• Writing scientific papers.
• She has 12 publications to her name on various topics in various areas. various areas

Ivy

Dambuza

Scientist

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/33473-ivy-dambuza/publications

Dr. Ivy Dambuza is an emerging leader in Fungal Immunology, committed to advancing the understanding of host-pathogen interactions and immune regulation.
Born and educated in South Africa, she earned a BSc in Chemical, Molecular, and Cellular Sciences in 2002 and a BSc (Hons) in Molecular and Cell Biology in 2003 at the University of Cape Town. Her passion for immunology led her to pursue an MSc in 2006, later upgraded to a Ph.D. in Clinical Science and Immunology, which she completed in 2010 at the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine.
Dr. Dambuza’s postdoctoral journey began at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States (2011–2014), where she worked in the Laboratory of Immunology under Dr. Charles Egwuagu. Her groundbreaking research contributed to the discovery of i35 regulatory B cells (i35-Bregs), a subset of B cells that suppress neuroinflammation in autoimmune diseases like uveitis and multiple sclerosis.
In 2014, Dr. Dambuza joined the Aberdeen Fungal Group at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where she collaborated with Prof. Gordon Brown to investigate the role of C-type lectins in gastrointestinal immunity against Candida albicans. Since 2019, she has continued this work at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter under Prof. Gordon Brown’s Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, further exploring the critical role of C-type lectins in shaping adaptive immunity.
In parallel, Dr. Dambuza leads independent research into Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans), a significant cause of disease and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS, and an emerging fungal threat in immunosuppressed HIV negative individuals. Dr. Dambuza has established innovative murine models to study latent C. neoformans infection and developed a framework to explore C. neoformans-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) co-infection.
Overall, Dr. Dambuza’s research ambition is to bridge fundamental science and clinical applications, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in fungal immunology and infectious diseases.

Johannes

Murowa

Principal Microbiologist

Industry

Ministry of water and sanitation

Malawi

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Education and Workshops, Working with industry

Environmental AMR

Born in 1976 in the commercial city of Blantyre, malawi, Johannes Murowa obtained first degree in 2000 from the University of Malawi (UNIMA), with Bachelor of Education Sciences majoring in biological sciences. i am a final year MSC student in Sanitation at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).

Professionally, i have taught at high schools basic sciences including biology for over 8 years since graduation. i have been an adjunct lecturer at University of Livingstonia in Malawi for a year, where i lecturered in plant patho9logy and Environmental managemenrt courses. i have been a Chief Laboratory technician in Microbiology and plant pathology with the department of biological Sciences at Chsncellor College, UNIMA.

during the four to five years at UNIMA, i was intrumental in mushroom seed production and extension services to farmers.

after joining the water quality and pollution control division in 2018 as a microbiologist, i have headed the microbiology section since then. the overall mandate is to protect public health and aquatic environments from pollution . some of the activities include water quality monitoring in wastewater, surface water and potable water. it is during these monitoring exercises where pollution bacterial indicators and fungi are isolated. With the global burden of AMR, Malawi is not spared and I am the AMR focal person for the Ministry representing the environmental sector. Environmental AMR is now being prioritized and both bacteria and fungi are targeted.

As such the exposure to AMR activities in the country has equipped Johannes with great potential to carryout AMR data collection, analysis and reporting with professionalism whose skills can be available for consultants or partners doing related work.

Omayra

Chincha

Medical Assistant

Academia

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

Peru

Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Patient engagement, Sporothrix

My main interesting is :
doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.24-0563. Online ahead of print.
doi: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101177. Epub 2021 Jul 28.
doi: 10.1111/myc.13510. Epub 2022 Aug 16.
doi: 10.1016/j.riam.2021.10.001. Epub 2022 Jan 25.

Also im preparing a paper with cryptococcosis in non HIV, Paracoccidiodes mycosis, eumycetoma too.

I am an infectious and tropical doctor, working in Lima, Perú and also a profesor from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. I am medical assistant at a national hospital with attention for inpatient and outpatient and since i was medical student i was involved in research special infectious diseases field like HIV, Histoplasmosis and last years in mycetoma, chromomycosis, paracoccidiomycosis and cryptococcosis. My mean interesting is all about neglected disease specially fungus that are under recognized special in tropical areas with focus in rapid diagnostic that we don’t have in my country additionally in education area to improve knowledge in other doctors and outside central zone of Peru.
As special interesting is fungus in relation with AIDS like Histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, also how can we could get the use of Amphotericin liposomal using a research and compare cost and time to hospitalization or the other idea that i have is compare what happen between cryptococcus in HIV and non HIV that is another idea that i will want to do.
Other project is working in mycetoma disease as a part of improve a test diagnostic specially for eumycetoma that is the worst developing in the future.
Paracoccidioidomycosis, is a endemic disease that is another interesting especially in test diagnostic in areas where the disease is not recognize and it is difficult to make KOH.
My final area of interest is teaching for medical student and resident to understand fungal disease and how to learn and recognize, also treatment as well, but is difficult because is not a part of our curricula of studies, and is more difficult outside central part of Peru, where i want to carry on mycosis studies.
If you want to connect me i can teach a little of mycosis tropical diseases

Anamelia

Bocca

Full professor

Academia

Universidade de Brasília

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Sporothrix, Vaccine development

An immunologist who works with fungal infection models, especially with murine experimental models. Works with Paracoccidoides brasiliensis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Fonsecaea sp and Sporotrix brasiliensis

My orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3323-5300

I am an immunologist with expertise in characterizing host immune responses, with a primary focus on innate immunity in experimental models of systemic and subcutaneous mycoses, including paracoccidioidomycosis, chromoblastomycosis, cryptococcosis, and, more recently, sporotrichosis. In models of subcutaneous infection, I have extensive experience with Fonsecaea pedrosoi, particularly in analysing immune cell recruitment at the inflammatory site, and investigating the host response to different fungal morphotypes, as well as the immunomodulatory effects of fungal cell wall components and extracellular vesicles. This project benefits from my two key collaborations: one with the LACEN laboratory in Brasília, which provides access to a clinical isolate collection of Sporothrix schenckii and S. brasiliensis, and another with the Zoonoses Division in Ribeirão Preto, which manages feline sporotrichosis cases. The in vivo experiments will also be conducted at Fiocruz/SP in Ribeirão Preto, where I can access essential infrastructure and animal research facilities.

Thommas

Musyoka

Lecturer and researcher

Academia

Kenyatta University

Kenya

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach, Virulence factors

My research sits at the interface of wet-laboratory experimentation and in silico modelling, with a specific focus on drug discovery for tropical and neglected infectious diseases. I am particularly interested in mining pathogen genomes to identify druggable targets and applying medicinal chemistry principles to develop novel therapeutics suited to the unique challenges of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

A major focus of my current work is characterising how mutations in the membrane-embedded enzyme FKS1 contribute to echinocandin resistance in Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. I lead the computational arm of this project, using molecular dynamics simulations and structural modelling to understand how these mutations alter FKS1’s interaction with the lipid membrane and affect drug binding and enzymatic function.

More broadly, my research uses computational modelling to address bottlenecks in early-stage drug discovery. Through predictive simulations and structure-based analyses, we can identify resistance mechanisms, design targeted compounds, and pre-screen their efficacy before moving to costly experimental pipelines. This approach not only supports antifungal discovery but also provides a transferable framework for investigating resistance mechanisms across a range of tropical infectious agents.

Ultimately, my work aims to accelerate the discovery of effective therapeutics by focusing on the dynamic interplay between pathogen protein structures, lipid environments, and drug interactions.

Dr. Thommas Musyoka is a lecturer and researcher in Bioinformatics at Kenyatta University, with a strong interest in the computational and experimental aspects of drug discovery for tropical and neglected infectious diseases. His research bridges genomic data mining, structure-based drug design, and molecular dynamics simulations, with a focus on identifying novel drug targets and resistance mechanisms in pathogens relevant to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

He currently leads computational efforts to study echinocandin resistance in Candida auris, examining how mutations in the membrane-embedded enzyme FKS1 influence its interaction with the lipid microenvironment and impact drug binding. His work aims to develop predictive models that not only inform experimental drug screening but also establish a generalizable framework for resistance analysis across other fungal and tropical pathogens.

Dr. Musyoka is passionate about harnessing in silico approaches to overcome bottlenecks in early-stage drug discovery, enabling cost-effective, targeted therapeutic development. He is especially keen on collaborative efforts that merge wet-lab validation with computational innovation, and is always open to partnerships that advance antifungal and antiparasitic drug discovery, particularly within the context of LMICs.

TECHNICIEN DE LABORATOIRE MEDICAL

FIDELE

KUTOMISA MAKASI

SUPERVISEUR DE LABORATOIRE DE MICROBIOLOGIE

Médecin sans frontière (DRC)

Congo

Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

I worked in clinical laboratories for about ten years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I had the opportunity to handle interesting data without having the time or resources to use it in research. Currently, I am motivated to contribute explanations to health problems, propose sustainable solutions, and prevent antimicrobial resistance.

Key themes:

Studying the molecular mechanisms of resistance in bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Exploring alternatives to antibiotics

Rational use of antimicrobials

Participating in global epidemiological surveillance projects.

name: Kutomisa makasi fidèle
1. Clerk Skills
Surveillance of epidemics at the hospital
Manipulation of surveillance software (whonet)
Travailler dans des situations de crisis : Expérience dans les interventions d’urgence, notamment pour l’advance des épidémies.
Transfusion sanguine : Maîtrise des protocols de délivrance des Produits Sanguins Labiles (PSL), essentiels dans les zones de conflict ou de faible accès aux soins.
HIV/AIDS: Implications for projects responsible for the mortality of HIV

2. Post current: Supervisor of the Microbiologie Laboratory and Mobile Emergency Team in the Emergency Pool Congo (Médecins Sans Frontières project) after March 2024
Professional Experience:
Coordinate microbiological analyzes of living patients with advancing HIV/AIDS
Coordinate the surveillance of epidemics at the hospital and the community in collaboration with members of the AMR committee (Résistance aux antimicrobiens)
Co-investigateur dans l’étude des cas de candidémie et salmonellosis.
Co-investigateur dans l’étude carba 5 (validation of the rapid test that detects the sous-groupe of carbapénemase)
Training of MSF academy students

3. From 2021 to 2023
Superviseur de laboratory de l’Equipe Mobile d’intervention de Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) en République Démocratique du Congo (DRC)
Gère les protocols de sécurité biologique et la logistique des équipements mobiles dans des contextes précaires.
Coordinate transfusion activities and rapid diagnostic tests in the context of health emergency (epidemics, conflicts).

4. 2017–2024:
Technicien de Laboratoire Polyvalent au Projet VIH/Sida de médecins sans frontières en DRC.
Participation in dépistage, suivi de la charge virale et bilan biologique de suivi au Center Hospitalier de Kabinda à Kinshasa. A Center that holds in charge the complex cases of HIV.
Training des personnels locaux et à l’optimisation des circuits de soins, notamment via les structures Médicales décentralisées.
Expertise in blood transfusion and management of infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, etc.), aligned with the best criticisms of MSF projects in DRC.

5. From 2011 to 2017:
Technicien de Laboratoire Polyvalent at Center Hospitalier Monkole (Kinshasa).
Work in a multicentric environment, with special infrastructures in maternal and pediatric environments.

Eman

Omran

Professor

Academia

Alexandria University

Egypt

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am a Professor of public health microbiology. I have several publications in Q1 and Q2 journals with wide teaching experience.

Dr.

Yahaya

Saminu

Senior Resident

Academia

Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Vaccine development

I’m passionate about and currently working on detection Aspergillus species amongst chronically-ill patients, evaluating the most prevalent species, determining their antifungal susceptibility pattern, identifying the genes behind antifungal resistance in them and
sequencing the genes.

My name is Dr. Yahaya Saminu. I was born in Funtua local government area of Katsina state, Nigeria on 15th April, 1989. I had my early education in Funtua before proceeding to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto for my undergraduate medical education, which I completed in 2016.
After successful completion of housemanship and compulsory youth service, I worked under Katsina state hospital services management board as a medical officer for 2 years. Thereafter, I returned back to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, for my postgraduate training in Clinical in Clinical Microbiology.
I am currently a senior registrar in the department where I am serving as the chief resident.
I am the coordinator of Mycology section of the microbiology laboratory in my centre and I am involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with fungal infections.
I am a PhD student in the same university, working on Aspergillosis in critically ill patients.
I am involved in a variety research projects especially in Mycology.

Cecilia

Kanyama

lead clinical research investigator

Academia

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Malawi

Antifungal use, Cryptococcus

My main focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. See link below:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/collections/65357185

I am a specialist in internal medicine with vast experience in clinical research. My main research interests are cryptococcal meningitis, Tuberculosis, and Advanced HIV disease. I have a keen interest in implementation science and am currently looking at improving post-discharge care for patients with HIV and comorbidities. I am an assistant professor with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but based in Malawi. I teach elective students presenting at Kamuzu Central Hospital Malawi and postgraduate medical students under ECSACOP programme.

Chimwemwe

Chawinga

Study Coordinator

Academia

University of North Carolina

Malawi

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Innovative Platforms, Other spp.

Ensuring that the health of people develop to a high standard by playing a key role in clinical research, focusing on preventive and curative especially in infectious diseases like cryptococcal meningitis. https://dndi.org/research-development/portfolio/5fc-cryptococcal-meningitis/ (5FC HIV -CRYPTO), https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-018-3026-4 (Ambition Study). https://www.sgul.ac.uk/about/our-institutes/infection-and-immunity/research-themes/working-internationally/dreamms-of-implementation

My name is Chimwemwe Chawinga. I am a clinician and registered with Medical Council of Malawi, currently working at University of Carolina (Malawi) as a study coordinator. I have a diploma in Clinical medicine and Bachelor of Arts in Health Systems Management. My roles as a study coordinator includes overseeing the entire study process, from participant enrolment to exit. This involves ensuring that all aspects of the study, including protocol adherence and medication provision, are properly managed.
My key responsibilities include:
• Supervising study teams and research activities to ensure strict conducting of study procedures by adhering to approved study protocols/SOPs,
• Ensuring study teams adopt a holistic approach in providing clinical care to study participants whenever needed,
• Developing and effective means of communication between different study departments, protocol teams, regulatory bodies and other important stakeholders,
• Ensuring that research clinics are operating optimally on a daily basis.
My key achievements so far are completion of ACTA and Ambition studies. These are all Cryptococcal meningitis studies which saw the world transitioning to a drug combination which treats Cryptococcal meningitis better than before.
I am now looking forward to a new drug formulation flucytosine pellets which is under a clinical trial at my institution under the DNDi sponsorship.

Bashir

Merico

Researcher

Academia

Malawi University of Science and Technology

Malawi

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Currently, I am working on my research project aimed at investigating WHO-priority Fungi and other opportunistic fungal pathogens isolated from excreta of synanthropic pigeons at households in Malawi. I believe that pigeons are active players in the transmission dynamics of pathogenic fungi due to their close contact with humans especially in rural and urban areas. To cement this I have hence collected pigeon excreta from households within my study area and from the same area I have collected clinical isolates from their main referral hospital. The idea is to also determine virulence factors exhibited by the isolated fungi from the excreta and AFR patterns then compare them with those exhibited by the clinical isolates.

Bashir Merico is a laboratory technician and a researcher with over seven years of experience in the department of Biological and Biomedical Health Sciences at the University of Malawi (UNIMA).
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical SCiences from Mzuzu University (MZUNI) and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in ONe Health at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Bashir’s research interests align with the ONe Health concept, focusing on zoonotic disease transmission and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). His undergraduate project on AMR in Salmonella species in chickens earned a distinction and was among the best in his class. Bashir’s MSc research investigates WHO-priority fungi and other opportunistic fungal pathogens in Synanthropic pigeons.
Before joining the University of Malawi, Bashir worked with the Christian Health Association of Malawi at Mlambe Mission hospital as a Medical laboratory technician. He also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Malawi University of Science and Technology.

Mirriam

Munthali

Senior Medical Officer

Academia

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Malawi

Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops

Fungal infections in People Living with HIV

Dr Mirriam Munthali is a female medical doctor from the northern part of Malawi. She is currently in her third year of internal medicine training under the Kamuzu College of Health sciences (KUHES) as well as the East Central and southern African college of Physicians (ECSACOP). She is an associate member of the royal college of Physicians. Furthermore, she is Passionate about infectious diseases with an interest in opportunistic infections affecting People Living with HIV/AIDS. She hopes to Specialize in Infectious diseases once done with her masters in Internal medicine training.

Jamie

Tindale

PhD student

Academia

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics

One Health approaches to combat antifungal resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus

I am an MRC-funded PhD student broadly studying One Health approaches to combat AMR in Aspergillus fumigatus. My current focus is to investigate resistance mechanisms for DHODH inhibitors.

Miss

Mariel

Almeida

PhD student

Academia

CIBICI-CONICET Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología

Argentina

Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Other spp.

https://cibici.conicet.gov.ar/inmunologia-laboratorio-de-parasitologia-y-micologia-experimental/

In the parasitology laboratory, we investigate the ability of some molecules of the parasitic helminth Fasciola hepatica to modulate the immune response, both in the generation of inflammatory responses, for possible application in vaccines, and/or in the generation of regulatory responses.

I am a Biochemist and currently a PhD student in Chemical Sciences

Cara

Dunaiski

Senior Research Scientist

Industry

Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited

Namibia

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My research interests focus on antimicrobial resistance, women’s health (particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis), and the ethics and feasibility of laboratory-based research. I’ve conducted molecular and clinical studies on vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS) in Namibian women, including whole-genome sequencing of fluconazole-resistant Candida species. I’m particularly interested in how syndromic treatment compares to microbiological testing in low-resource settings. My earlier work also includes research on Pneumocystis jirovecii infections, which sparked a broader interest in fungal pathogens and diagnostic challenges.

More recently, in my role within the R&D unit at NIP, I’ve been involved in using evidence-based data to motivate for the expansion of the national test menu—ensuring that diagnostic services are aligned with disease burden and public health needs. I’m also contributing to practical efforts to strengthen research governance and ethical oversight within the laboratory environment.

More details and publications are available on my LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-mia-dunaiski-7b5213bb/

Dr. Cara Mia Dunaiski is a biomedical scientist specializing in medical microbiology, with a focus on women’s health, antimicrobial resistance, fungal infections, and research ethics. She currently serves as a Senior Scientist at the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), where she’s second-in-command in the Research and Development (R&D) Unit.

Her research is deeply rooted in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for conditions affecting women, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS). During her doctoral studies at the University of Pretoria, she investigated the etiology of VDS in Namibian women through cross-sectional and cohort studies. Her work incorporated molecular diagnostics and whole-genome sequencing of Candida glabrata isolates, uncovering significant resistance to fluconazole and reinforcing the need to move beyond syndromic management approaches.

She has also contributed to studies on Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and non-albicans Candida species, broadening her impact on fungal disease research.

Dr. Dunaiski collaborated with Professor David Denning and the Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) to co-author the first national estimate of serious fungal infections in Namibia. This work has been instrumental in raising awareness of neglected fungal diseases and advocating for better access to diagnostics and treatment in the region.

At NIP, Dr. Dunaiski’s role extends beyond research. She actively supports the expansion of the national test menu based on disease burden and evidence-based data. Under her leadership, the R&D unit engages in strategic planning to improve diagnostic service delivery, data-driven decision-making, and alignment with public health priorities. She also promotes ethical research conduct and supports the development of young scientists through capacity building and mentorship.

PhD

Marcelo

Cerilo Filho

Researcher

Academia

Universidade Federal Fluminense

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antigen, Biomarker, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

Human parasitology, medical microbiology, immunogenetics, pharmacogenetics, public health, one health.
Link: http://lattes.cnpq.br/3894484565412287

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Degree in Biological Sciences, Specialist in Management and Auditing in Health Systems, Public Health and Health Surveillance and Family Health, Master’s Degree in Parasitic Biology (UFS), Brazil. PhD candidate in Applied Microbiology and Parasitology (UFF), Brazil. He is currently a member of the Centre for the Investigation of Microorganisms (CIM – UFF) and a collaborator in the Laboratory for Studies in Human Parasitology (LEPH – UNEB). He works in the areas of Neglected Tropical Diseases, in terms of immunogenetics, pharmacogenetics, epidemiology, single/collective health and health education.

Link: http://lattes.cnpq.br/3894484565412287

Professor

Ahmed

Fahal

Director

Academia

University of Khartoum

Sudan

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I work on mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease.
Website: https://www.ahmedfahal.net

https://www.ahmedfahal.net/index.php/about

Prof. Fahal trained in medicine at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. He then pursued his post-graduate surgical training in Khartoum and London, leading to a consultant surgeon position at Soba University Hospital and a professor of Surgery, University of Khartoum, Sudan. He is a general surgeon with a special interest and tracks record in mycetoma and tropical surgery.

He has served as the Director of the Educational Development Centre for Medical & Health Professionals, University of Khartoum. He was the Founding Director of the Self Evaluation and Quality Enhancement Administration, University of Khartoum and then the University of Khartoum Academic Secretary.

He was the President of the Scientific Research and Innovation Agency, Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Sudan and advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific research, the Republic of Sudan.

He is presently the Vice-President of the Arab Scientific Research Councils Federation.

Prof. Fahal is the founding Director of the Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC), University of Khartoum. The MRC establishment’s efforts from scratch are a major success story as he recruited his own web of personal contacts to generate funds for the project. Today, the centre is recognised globally as a world leader and an authoritative advisor in Mycetoma management and research, and it is the only WHO Collaborating Centre on Mycetoma.

He is a high-volume researcher in mycetoma and has published and presented extensively his original research in mycetoma has become a world reference. He published more than 270 peer-reviewed articles and edited a book on mycetoma and many textbooks’ chapters, booklets and clinical guidelines on a number of themes in surgery, mycetoma and medical education. His total citation count is 12525, his h-index is 35, i10-index is 167 (Google Scholar, 21 Fe. 2023). He is among the top 2% of global scientists with high citation impact.

He is collaborating with more than 23 international research centres and institutes on different research activities to promote science. He established the EL Hassan Centre for NTDs Clinical trials as its first kind in the country. Having always been conscious of monetary constraints and the need to advance, he spared no effort to use his personal influence to generate funds for various research and academic establishments worth millions of dollars despite the meagre resources in his work environment

The mastery of Professor Fahal for research and publications has qualified him to act as a referee for seventeen scientific journals and sits on many editorial boards, and he is the Academic Editor of the PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Journal.

He is a member of many national, regional, and international academic and scientific associations and societies. He sits on various curricula, research ethics, accreditations and administrative committees at national and regional levels.

In medical education, he is actively involved in teaching and organising national and international workshops, training courses, and conferences to collaborate with the WHO for medical and health professionals training. He has a special interest in E-Learning, medical informatics and teaching and learning innovation. He is a temporal WHO Consultant to develop medical education in the region.

Prof. Fahal has a strong commitment to research, training and education. He is actively involved in the teaching and research supervision of undergraduates and post-graduates. He is an external examiner in surgery for many national and regional medical schools and the Royal Colleges of Surgeons.

Dr.

Mustafizur

Rahman

Senior Scientist

Academia

icddr,b

Bangladesh

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Omics, epidemiology, surveillance and host-pathogen interactions of emerging viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1OorXkcAAAAJ&hl=en
https://www.icddrb.org/people/I00205-dr-md-mustafizur-rahman

Dr. Mustafizur Rahman is currently the Senior Director of the Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b, and serves as the Head of the Virology Laboratory and Genome Centre. With a career spanning 28 years, he has held various scientific and leadership positions in the field of infectious diseases. Dr. Rahman has served as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on over 100 infectious disease projects and has collaborated extensively with researchers from leading universities and research institutions across the globe. His recent work focuses on Candida auris, highlighted by the discovery of the novel Clade VI in Bangladesh and the identification of clade-specific resistance markers.

Dr.

Noorjahan

Begum

Assistant Scientist

Academia

icddr,b

Bangladesh

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=j72tpgcAAAAJ&hl=en

I have been working as an Assistant Scientist at the Infectious Diseases Division in icddr,b. I commenced my professional journey as a Research Officer at the Virology Laboratory during the 2009 influenza pandemic. I obtained my BSc and MSc in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a PhD in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Throughout my doctoral studies, I delved into investigating the genetic spectrum and metabolic profiling of children with Congenital Hypothyroidism. Recently, I completed a short-term Post-doctoral research program at Washington University in St. Louis, USA, from July to December 2023. My research focused on exploring the role of gut microbiota in gestational weight gain in pregnant women and their children’s birth weight by applying 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and the Shotgun metagenomics platform.

As the lead of the Molecular Team at Virology, I coordinate multiple ongoing genomic studies on the influenza virus, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and the Dengue virus, assessing the impact of variants on clinical outcomes and studying other respiratory and enteric viruses. In my regular responsibilities, I supervise junior staff and graduate students in Molecular techniques and troubleshooting. I also assist my supervisor in developing proposals and manuscripts. I have contributed to 10 research protocols as an investigator and 23 published articles in peer-reviewed journals, with 6 as the first author. My research interest centres on exploring emerging pathogens by applying advanced genomics platforms.

Abiola

Isawumi

AMR Group Leader

Academia

University of Ghana

Ghana

AI/new tools, Microbial Pathogenesis, Vaccine development

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isawumi-abiola-phd-bb6a5a5a/

Abiola is advancing research efforts in hetero-resistance mechanisms, bacterial virulence and pathogenesis, lipopolysaccharide modifications, biofilm-motility interplay in bacterial resistance, toxin-antitoxin, and secretory systems.

Abiola Isawumi leads antimicrobial resistance initiatives and research at WACCBIP as an AMR Research Group Leader and Principal Investigator.

He has a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases, an MPhil in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, an MSc in AMR Technology and International Health and a BSc in Microbiology.

Currently at WACCBIP, he’s investigating the AMR mechanisms of common and novel superbugs (ESKAPE pathogens) prevalent and diversely distributed in hospital environments, especially those that are implicated in nosocomial infections in the Intensive Care Unit.

Abiola is advancing research efforts in hetero-resistance mechanisms, bacterial virulence and pathogenesis, lipopolysaccharide modifications, biofilm-motility interplay in bacterial resistance, toxin-antitoxin, and secretory systems.

As he leverages phenotypic algorithms and molecular tools for developing diverse assays to potentiate antibiotic effectiveness and understand opportunistic pathogen antibiotic-evasion pathways, he’s also taking advantage of nanoparticles for antibiotic delivery and phage technology to intercept AMR pathways to inform treatment strategies. Also, vaccine development for ESKAPE pathogens implicated in neonatal sepsis.

Abiola is the Head of ABISA Ideation, a research support innovate helping young African Researchers circumvent the challenges limiting their relevance and productivity.

He takes the lead in training the younger generation of researchers and trend-watching as a certified research coach, academic mentor, and Iconoclast.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isawumi-abiola-phd-bb6a5a5a/

Abiola Isawumi leads antimicrobial resistance initiatives and research at WACCBIP as an AMR Research Group Leader and Principal Investigator.

He has a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases, an MPhil in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, an MSc in AMR Technology and International Health and a BSc in Microbiology.

Currently at WACCBIP, he’s investigating the AMR mechanisms of common and novel superbugs (ESKAPE pathogens) prevalent and diversely distributed in hospital environments, especially those that are implicated in nosocomial infections in the Intensive Care Unit.

Abiola is advancing research efforts in hetero-resistance mechanisms, bacterial virulence and pathogenesis, lipopolysaccharide modifications, biofilm-motility interplay in bacterial resistance, toxin-antitoxin, and secretory systems.

As he leverages phenotypic algorithms and molecular tools for developing diverse assays to potentiate antibiotic effectiveness and understand opportunistic pathogen antibiotic-evasion pathways, he’s also taking advantage of nanoparticles for antibiotic delivery and phage technology to intercept AMR pathways to inform treatment strategies. Also, vaccine development for ESKAPE pathogens implicated in neonatal sepsis.

Abiola is the Head of ABISA Ideation, a research support innovate helping young African Researchers circumvent the challenges limiting their relevance and productivity.

He takes the lead in training the younger generation of researchers and trend-watching as a certified research coach, academic mentor, and Iconoclast.

Dr.

saleh Mohammed

Ikram

Medical Officer

Academia

icddr,b

Bangladesh

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Climate change impact on AFR, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Innovative Platforms, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

Dr. Saleh Mohammed Ikram is a physician (MBBS) and public health researcher (MPH) addressing climate-linked health risks in coastal Bangladesh. Based in Chakaria—a region affected by salinity intrusion, ecological shifts, and climate vulnerabilities—he coordinates community-centered health programs at icddrb, bridging partnerships between stakeholders and agrarian or marine-dependent populations. His clinical work highlights rising fungal infections among environmentally stressed communities, driving his systematic review on fungal disease epidemiology in Bangladesh. Integrating clinical practice, epidemiological research, and participatory engagement, he investigates how climate-driven ecological changes influence pathogen spread and health disparities. He aims to develop adaptive public health strategies for populations facing ecological disruption by connecting clinical observations with environmental and community data. His work seeks to translate locally rooted evidence into policies that protect vulnerable communities in climate-critical zones, prioritizing health equity amid environmental transformation.

Dr.

Allan

Guimaraes

Professor

Academia

Fluminense Federal University

Brazil

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My research focuses on the pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment of systemic fungal infections, particularly caused by Histoplasma capsulatum and Candida sp. — pathogens that pose urgent public health challenges due to their resilience and rising resistance to antifungal drugs. I have established my research in the host–fungus interaction field, with particular emphasis on fungal virulence, vaccination, passive immunization, immune modulation, development of antifungals, and translational mycology.
https://www.adscientificindex.com/scientist/allan-jefferson-guimaraes/1109011
http://lattes.cnpq.br/2621111326126440

Dr. Guimarães graduated in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2003), Master in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (2006), Master (2008) and PhD (2010) in Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Dr. Guimarães did his first Post-Doc training with Dr. Arturo Casadevall in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University (2010-2011) and a second Post-Doc with Dr. José Mauro Peralta in the Department of Imunologia at the Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2011-2012. Since 2013, he has been an Associate Professor of Mycology in the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology of the Biomedical Institute of the Fluminense Federal University. Dr. Guimaraes has expertise on Microbiology, with emphasis on Medical Microbiology, Medical Biochemistry, Immunology and Mycology, and a specialist on the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins and chimeric antibodies with antimicrobial activity. His laboratory also explores several models of host pathogen interactions, characterisation of microbial virulence factors, pathogenesis mechanisms and origin of virulence and pathogenesis. Dr. Guimaraes coordinates several research projects and currently is a Young Research Fellow (FAPERJ) and holds a Scholarship in Research Productivity 2 by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.Dr. Guimaraes serves as reviewer of several international indexed scientific journals and funding agencies.

Rosely Maria

Zancope-Oliveira

Researcher

Academia

Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Omics, Other spp., Sporothrix

As a senior researcher in microbiology, with an emphasis on mycology, I have been working for some time on the diagnosis of endemic mycoses, particularly histoplasmosis, sporotrichosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis, thus demonstrating experience in the field. Currently, our main focus is to identify strategies to improve the workflow of laboratory diagnostics for endemic mycoses and to develop, validate, and evaluate the effectiveness of molecular methods related to DNA detection and analysis technologies, as well as antigen and antibody detection, aiming to enhance the speed and accuracy of laboratory diagnoses for these diseases.

Address to access this CV: https://lattes.cnpq.br/7789024715762694
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Medical Modality) from the Barão de Mauá Educational Organization (1977), a Master’s degree in Parasitic Biology from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (1985), a Ph.D. in Sciences (Microbiology) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (1993), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control (1996). I am currently a Senior Researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and serves as Deputy Director of Research at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI). I have experience in the field of Microbiology, with an emphasis on Mycology, focusing primarily on histoplasmosis, candidiasis, and sporotrichosis, and paracoccidioidomicosis with her main work directed toward laboratory diagnosis and the epidemiology of these mycoses. I am the leader of the research group entitled Molecular Biology Applied to the Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Human Mycoses.

MSc.

Danicela

Mercado

Laboratory Manager

Hospital General San Juan De Dios

Guatemala

Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test

Opportunistic Infections in HIV people; Fungal infections diagnostics

Laboratory proffesional graduate from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. Master’s degree in Productivity and Health Sciences. Specializations in HIV/AIDS. Over 10 years of experience in diagnosing HIV infections and infections associated with HIV/AIDS. Participation in research projects and improvement of care for people living with HIV. Currently, she serves as general laboratory coordinator of the HIV Care Unit at the Hospital General San Juan de Dios: Clínica Familar Luis Ángel García from Guatemala.

M.Sc.

Carlos Alberto

Passinho Campos

PhD student and laboratory technician

Academia

Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Brazil

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research interests are centered on medical mycology, particularly the study of antifungal resistance in filamentous fungi, with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus. I investigate the correlation between the agricultural use of azole fungicides and the emergence of environmentally resistant phenotypes, focusing on cyp51A gene mutations and their impact on the efficacy of clinical antifungal agents. My work includes genotypic and phenotypic analysis of both environmental and clinical strains, with an emphasis on surveillance, molecular characterization, and phylogeny of resistant isolates from urban, rural, and agricultural settings in Brazil.

I am part of the Latin American project LatAsp, which aims to map azole resistance in A. fumigatus across Latin America, in collaboration with international institutions such as the CDC (USA), the Westerdijk Institute (Netherlands), and the Université de Nantes (France). I have also contributed to the SATREPS/JICA project, focused on diagnostic method development and the understanding of antifungal resistance mechanisms through a Brazil–Japan cooperation.

My academic background in Biological Sciences, with a Master’s in Public Health Surveillance and ongoing PhD in Clinical Medicine at UNICAMP, is complemented by extensive training in molecular biology, fungal transformation via CRISPR/Cas, and microbial collection curation. I am particularly interested in host–fungus interactions, the environmental impact of agrochemical use, and resistance monitoring strategies based on clinical and environmental data.

Carlos Alberto Passinho Campos is a biologist and researcher specializing in medical mycology, with a focus on antifungal resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Health Surveillance and is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Medicine at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). His work investigates the environmental and clinical dimensions of azole resistance and their public health implications. Carlos is involved in international collaborations such as the LatAsp project and the SATREPS/JICA initiative, contributing to fungal resistance surveillance across Latin America. He has also received training in molecular biology, CRISPR/Cas genome editing in fungi, and microbial collection management.

Samuel

Cavalcante do Amaral

Postdoctoral researcher

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Omics, Other spp., Sporothrix

I am interested in Marine and Environmental Biotechnology, Metabolomics, the Chemistry of Natural Products, and Microbial Ecology.

He holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Biotechnology from the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). He completed part of his undergraduate studies in the United States at California State University San Marcos during the 2013-2014 academic year through the Science Without Borders Program. During this time, he worked in Professor Sajith Jayasinghe’s laboratory, focusing on membrane proteins from gram-negative bacteria. He was also a scholarship holder in the Scientific Initiation program, where he worked on topics such as the pharmacogenetics of gastric cancer and the control and identification of diseases caused by fungi in various cultivars.
Since 2015, he has concentrated on identifying and prospecting cyanobacteria and microalgae with biotechnological potential. Between 2021 and 2022, he completed a doctoral internship at the Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) at the University of Porto in Portugal, under the supervision of Dr. Vitor Vasconcelos. His research focused on identifying bioactive compounds through the integrated use of metabolomics and biological assays, including isolating and characterizing these compounds using various chromatographic methods and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Mrs.

Priscilla Olivares

Calado

Master’s student

Academia

Disease Control Coordination of São Paulo

Brazil

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Sporothrix, Virulence factors, Working with industry

-Fungal Pathogenesis
-Antifungal Resistance Mechanisms
-Molecular Diagnostics of Fungal Infections
-Epidemiology of Invasive Fungal Diseases
-Antifungal Susceptibility Testing
-Next-Generation Sequencing in Mycology
-Rapid Diagnostic Methods for Fungal Pathogens
-Biofilm Formation and Antifungal Resistance
-Emerging Fungal Pathogens
-Resistance in Candida and Aspergillus Species
-Mechanisms of Echinocandin and Azole Resistance

Graduated in Biological Sciences (2013) from the Izabela Hendrix Methodist University Center – MG. Professor hired by the Minas Gerais Department of Education (2013/2017), teaching elementary and high school levels. Joined the Military Police of the State of São Paulo in 2017, completing the Higher Technical Course in Ostensive Policing and Preservation of Public Order in 2018. Effective military officer at the Military Police Medical Center – HPM, in the Microbiological Analysis sector. Postgraduate degree in Clinical Analysis and Biotechnology from Faculdade Única de Ipatinga – MG (2021). Master’s student (2023) in the Postgraduate Program of the Disease Control Coordination, of the São Paulo State Department of Health (CCD/SES-SP).

Miss

Julia

Andrade

Master’s Student in Animal Clinical and Reproduction Fluminense Federal University (UFF)

Academia

Universidade Federal Fluminense

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Sporothrix

Research interests: microbiology, host-pathogen interaction, immunology, fungal diseases and vaccine development

Evaluation of the Feline Immune Response to Vaccine Peptides for Zoonotic Sporotrichosis Caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis

I am currently a Master’s student in the Animal Clinical and Reproduction program at Fluminense Federal University (UFF). I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from UFF (2024). During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a research scholar on projects investigating the interaction of the pathogen Sporothrix brasiliensis with the invertebrate model Galleria mellonella (2021-2024) at the UFF Microorganism Research Center (CIM-UFF). Nowadays, my research project involves investigating the immunogenic potential of a peptide as a vaccine for preventing feline sporotrichosis.

I have also been involved with the Academic League of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology at UFF, where I served as Vice-President. Additionally, I volunteered as a teaching assistant for the Veterinary Mycology course. I have gained practical experience in small animal clinics, clinical laboratories, and have applied parasitological, bacteriological, and mycological techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases.

Eltas

Nyirenda-Dziwani

Project coordinator/study doctor

Academia

Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Project

Malawi

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

I am interested in research on improving outcomes of advanced HIV disease patients, and prevention and reduction of mortality from opportunistic infections. I currently work on cryptococcal meningitis (CM) projects, and tuberculosis projects. I am the project coordinator for the International Mycoses Prevention, Research, Implementation, Networks and Training (IMPRINT) in Malawi, as well as the co Principal investigator for the Single, High-dose Ambisome to Reduce Excess mortality from Cryptococcal Meningitis (SHARE-CM) project in Malawi. The SHARE-CM project aims to leverage individual and institutional experience in delivering the ACTA and AMBITION trial short-course regimens to facilitate widespread implementation across Malawi with the ultimate aim of reducing mortality from CM in real-world settings. We raise community awareness of CM, lobby for improved treatment guidelines, and train health workers on management of CM. The IMPRINT project also aims to raise community awareness of CM, as well as train healthcare workers on management of CM. Both these projects a re hosted by the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme.

I am also a deputy director of the Umodzi family clinic, a center of excellence in HIV care in Malawi, with a cohort of ~18,000 HIV clients. I also work as a doctor, in internal medicine department of Queen Elizabeth central Hospital, managing advanced HIV patients amongst other conditions.

Previously, I was study doctor for 2 antifungal clinical trials in Africa: the “Antifungal Combinations for Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in Africa (ACTA” trial, and the “AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION): High Dose AmBisome for Cryptococcal Meningitis Induction Therapy in sub-Saharan Africa” trial.

https://www.mlw.mw/

https://www.wits.ac.za/news/sources/health-news/2022/imprint—fungal-hiv-global-health-research.html

https://www.mlw.mw/news_and_events/press-release-malawi-liverpool-wellcome-programme-partners-in-a-new-nihr-funded-global-health-research-group-on-hiv-associated-fungal-infections-imprint/

https://www.mlw.mw/news_and_events/unmasking-the-silent-threat-cryptococcal-meningitis-awareness/

I am an internal medicine physician working at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital. I mentor and supervise final year medical students from KUHeS, as well as lead clinical care on my section of the medical wards. I also work in the HIV clinic as a deputy medical director, managing complex HIV clients and providing clinical advice to clinicians working in the clinic. I work in cryptococcal meningitis (CM) research, under the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome program, and I am currently the Co-PI of the SHARE-Cm project, and coordinator for the IMPRINT project. I previously worked as a study doctor on CM trials namely the ACTA trial and AMBITION trial, and as a clinical fellow in cardiology at the Bristol Royal infirmary in Bristol, UK.

I hold an MMed in Internal medicine (Mw) , MSc public health (UK), MRCP(UK), MBBS (Mw)

EKAI JOHN

LOCHUKE

Medical Laboratory Scientist/ Researcher

Academia

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Kenya

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Immunology, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My research interests encompasses; Antimicrobial Resistance, Prevalence of Tropical Neglected diseases such as Mycetoma, Environmental role in Transmission of Fungal Infections,Social behaviour change, One heath , Improving Diagnostic and treatment of Fungal Mycetoma

Ekai John Lochuke is a dedicated researcher working as Medical Laboratory Scientist in Lodwar County Referral Hospital, he is passionate about the fight against Tropical Neglected fungal infections, driven by a curiosity for microbiology and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Currently he is completing his master’s Degree in Medical Microbiology at KEMRI Graduate School working on his thesis on evaluating the role of environment in Transmission of Fungal Mycetoma.
John collaborates with Professor Maria Colom in Mycetoma Research Project(since 2019) where he is actively participating in patient’s recruitment, clinical examination, data collection and laboratory diagnosis of Mycetoma, in 2024,he did a training stay in the Medical Mycology laboratory led by Prof Colom in Spain working on the molecular detection and characterization of fungi.
Currently he is collaborating with other scientist as a Co-investigator in a research study social-behavioral change approach in fungal mycetoma, that seek deeper understanding of mycetoma and to improve fungal disease management.
Outside the lab, John is a community advocate for Mycetoma, author in a published research study He participated as a panelist during World Fungal Awareness week, 2024. Also, he presented in international Conference, Madrid (Spain). He hopes to connect with individuals and share knowledge

Dinh Trang

Van

Head of Microbiology and bio-molecular Laboratories

Academia

National Hospital for Tropical Diseases

Vietnam

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

I am very interested in fungal diagnostics and Anti-fungal susceptibility for clinical and research purposes.

I am a doctor of microbiology. I have graduated general doctor and master in microbiology from Hanoi Medical University seen 2003 and 2010, respectively. I also have graduated PhD in Medicine with the thesis of whole genome sequencing of BK Polyomaviruses from the University of Sydney seen 2021.

Amalia Naita

Awala

Postdoctoral research fellow

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology

I use different human and rodent brain-based experimental models to investigate host-pathogen interactions in neurocryptococcosis.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Neuroscience from Luther College in Decorah, USA, and recently completed my PhD in Neuroscience, where my research focused on the neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying neurocysticercosis—a neglected tropical disease that disproportionately impacts sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cape Town, investigating neuroimmune responses to parasitic and fungal infections of the brain.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amalia-naita-awala-phd-149692139/?originalSubdomain=za

Ms.

Katherine

Farnsworth

Researcher

Academia

University of North Carolina

United States

Immune adaptation, Immunology, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development, Working with industry

Nonspecific effects, sex-differential effects of vaccines

Katherine Farnsworth is a commissioned member of the U.S. Foreign Service with over 20 years of experience implementing international public health and development programs. Katherine has held various roles within USAID, including Senior Advisor to the Agency Counselor and as Liaison to the World Health Organization in the Bureau for Global Health. She has served in the Haiti Mission, Kenya and East Africa, Nigeria, Vietnam, and the West Africa Regional Health Office in Ghana. Prior to joining USAID, she worked on a range of global health programs including: Basic Support for Institutionalizing Child Survival (BASICS), IMMUNIZATIONbasics, the Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, and the Child Survival and Health Grants Program. She completed graduate studies through the Peace Corps Master’s International Program and holds degrees in anthropology, public health, and political science.
Growing up next to an American teaching hospital in Kenya laid the foundation for Katherine’s deep-seated commitment to health and community well-being. Witnessing the dire need for health services and the transformative impact of dedicated health professionals continues to inspire her career trajectory today.

SANOGO

ZAKARIA

PHARMACIST/PASITOLOGY-MYCOLOGY

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Burkina Faso

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am interested in parasitology, mycology

Doctor of Pharmacy
Holder of a research and professional master’s degree in parasitology and mycology
Participating teacher in private health schools

Dr.

Dario

Correa Junior

Postdoctoral researcher

Academia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My research interests focus on medical mycology, particularly the ecology, antifungal resistance, and virulence of fungal pathogens in a One Health context. I am especially interested in the impact of agricultural practices on the emergence of resistant fungi, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, including combination therapy and personalized medicine.

I am a biologist with a background in infectious diseases and a strong focus on medical mycology. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), where I participated in research and outreach projects related to tropical diseases. During my Master’s, I investigated the environmental presence of Cryptococcus by collecting pigeon droppings from public schools in Campo Grande, Brazil, and identified Cryptococcus neoformans in these samples—an experience that sparked my interest in fungal pathogens with environmental reservoirs.
I completed my Ph.D. in Sciences at the Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), in the Laboratory of Fungal Biophysics (LaBioFun). My doctoral research focused on the ecology and virulence of Nannizzia gypsea isolated from a cattery, including samples from soil, walls, and an infected dog. I also studied Sporothrix species isolated from infected patients, cats, and their owners to investigate how virulence factors vary across hosts. This work contributed to a deeper understanding of fungal transmission and adaptation, and was grounded in a One Health perspective.
Currently, in my postdoctoral research at LaBioFun/IBCCF-UFRJ, I study fungal diversity and antifungal resistance in poultry farming environments. I analyze samples from chicken litter, feces, and fertilized soil to assess health risks to animals, humans, and the environment. My work continues to integrate phenotypic, molecular, and biophysical methods to better understand host adaptation and therapeutic alternatives, including drug repurposing, combination therapies, and nitric oxide-based antifungals.
Since November 2024, I have also been a visiting postdoctoral fellow at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, expanding my expertise in host-pathogen interactions and antifungal strategies. I am also passionate about science communication and mentoring, and I actively engage in educational and outreach activities to inspire and support the next generation of researchers in fungal biology.

Dr.

MUSA

ISAH

LECTURER

Academia

Kebbi State University of Science and Technology

Nigeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Microbial Pathogenesis

 Investigating plant-derived essential oils and compounds to combat antimicrobial resistance, focusing on novel antimicrobial agents and their mechanisms against pathogens.
 Studying the dual role of natural compounds in combating oxidative stress and microbial infections especially fungal infections, emphasizing their impact on microbial virulence.
 Application of chromatographic techniques to isolate bioactive compounds and assess their inhibitory effects on Enzymes, microbial growth, and biofilm formation.
 Exploring natural product-derived compounds for treating microbial infections with a focus on their molecular mechanisms of action.
 Conducting toxicity studies in microbial and mammalian models to assess natural products’ safety and therapeutic potential for clinical and commercial use.

My name is Dr. Musa Isah, a lecturer at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero. I have a solid academic and research background in medical microbiology and natural products research. I have spent years teaching and conducting research in medical microbiology, drug discovery, infectious disease control, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.
I am passionate about science and committed to producing high-impact research that addresses real-world health challenges, especially on fungal infections. My work has been recognized with several awards and honours throughout my academic and research career. I have a strong publication record and have presented my research at national and international conferences. My extensive experience as a lecturer for nearly a decade has equipped me with strong writing and oral communication skills. I have successfully presented findings to diverse audiences in academia and industry settings. I am an active member of multiple professional organizations and regularly contribute to academic and scientific communities. I have participated in national and international community service initiatives, reflecting my commitment to broader societal impact. I am a motivated and results-driven researcher who can lead projects, mentor others, and deliver meaningful scientific outcomes.

Yousra

Sarfaraz

Specialist

Academia

Aga Khan University

Pakistan

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Working with industry

My research interest lies in the application of flow cytometry for diagnostic purposes, particularly in the early detection and monitoring of hematological disorders, immune profiling, and cancer biomarkers. I am keen on exploring how multiparametric flow cytometry can enhance the accuracy and speed of clinical diagnoses, while also contributing to personalized treatment strategies.

I am Dr Yousra Sarfaraz, currently working as Specialist in Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University. I am Ph.D in Biochemistry (Neuropharmacology) and have rich research experience.

Anja

de Lange

Postdoctoral Fellow

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Patient cohorts

My research interests currently lie primarily in dissecting pathogen-host interactions and host immune responses/modulation in in vitro models (mouse and human organotypic brain slices) and in in vivo mouse models. I am also a part of a team who is investigating cytokine and chemokine expression in patient cohorts that are being treated for cryptococcal meningitis, and we are attempting to establish particular biomarkers amongst these immune signaling molecules for different disease states (eg. peripheral antigenemia for C. neoformans versus asymptomatic CNS C. neoformans infection versus symptomatic CNS C. neoformans infection).

I am a proudly born and bred South African researcher. I did my undergraduate degree at Rhodes University in South Africa, majoring in human kinetics and ergonomics and biochemistry. These majors both had neuroscience modules that sparked a fierce interest in me, and as such I applied for, and was accepted to, an honours degree in neurophysiology and the University of Cape Town. I then proceeded to do a PhD in the lab of A/Prof Joseph Raimondo at the University of Cape Town, during which I explored potential seizure mechanisms involved in neurocysticercosis using electrophysiological and biochemical approaches. Along the way I discovered that the homogenate of the model parasite that I was using, Taenia crassiceps, can powerfully ameliorate LPS-induced inflammation. For the past few years I have been a postdoc in The Crypto Lab, headed by Dr Rachael Dangarembizi – also at the University of Cape Town. It has been a very exciting time in my career, as I am able to be involved in numerous different approaches, cutting-edge techniques and collaborations. I have found that the skills I developed during my PhD have translated very well to the fungal work, and have continued to grow and develop as a scientist.

Miss

Ntaoleng

Seoete

Student

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My current research focuses on biofilm extracellular matrices and their interactions with self-associating amphiphilic molecules (SSAs). I am developing a trans-well fluorescence assay to track SSA diffusion across biofilm barriers, aiming to uncover their impact on microbial communities and potential applications in antifungal and antimicrobial strategies. Beyond this, I am deeply interested in intracellular antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, particularly how biofilm-associated microbes evade conventional treatments. By exploring biofilm penetration pathways and resistance adaptations, I aim to contribute to advancements in medical mycology and biotechnology, with potential implications for antimicrobial therapies and drug delivery systems.

I am an honours student at University of the Free State, exploring the intricate world of microbial biofilms and antimicrobial resistance. My current research focuses on how self-associating amphiphilic molecules (SSAs) interact with biofilm extracellular matrices, using a trans-well fluorescence assay to study their diffusion across biofilm barriers. Through this, I aim to uncover mechanisms that could enhance antimicrobial strategies and improve biofilm penetration techniques.

Beyond my project, I am deeply interested in the broader implications of intracellular antimicrobial resistance—how biofilm-associated microbes persist despite treatment and adapt under selective pressure. My passion lies in bridging molecular microbiology, medical mycology, and biotechnology to develop innovative solutions for microbial control. I’m eager to connect with researchers exploring biofilm physiology, antifungal mechanisms, and resistance adaptations, fostering collaborations that push the boundaries of medical microbiology.

PhD

Sandra Milena

Leal Pinto

Professor-Research

Academia

Corporación Universitaria de Santander (UDES)

Colombia

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Virulence factors

Main research interests: Nanotechnology applied to the development of antifungals, antifungal resistance, virulence factors associated with antifungal effects, yeast, toxicicology assays.
Curriculum: https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0000553778
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0120-8060

Bacteriologist, Master’s degree in basic biomedical sciences, PhD in nanobiotechnology. Titular professor at the University of Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia. I research new agents for the treatment of fungal pathogens (Candida, Cryptococcus, dermatophytes) using nanotechnology, their effect on virulence factors, and complementary techniques to assess toxicity. Human talent training. Author of 25 articles.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0120-8060

Adegboyega

Oladipo

Deputy Director Medical Laboratory Services

Academia

Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex

Nigeria

Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test

Dr. Adegboyega Oyedele OLADIPO stands out as a well-known microbiologist who focuses his research on antimicrobial resistance, genomics, mycology and environmental microbiology. He works at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex and has also teamed up with the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science as a Visiting Senior Lecturer at the University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Nigeria. Dr. Oladipo’s name appears on many research papers in respected scientific journals such as the Journal of Genomics Journal of Water and Health, and International Journal of Infectious Diseases. His work has made a big difference in how we understand antibiotic resistance genomic diversity, and how microbial populations affect the environment. Dr. Oladipo’s important studies include examining genome sequences of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci samples from South Africa and Nigeria, which showed environment-driven differences. He has also looked into how common extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are in Klebsiella species from clinical samples in Nigeria. He has also collaborated in mycological studies involving Candida and other fungal species in isolation and evaluation of Candida among pregnant women in OAUTHC Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Dr. Oladipo’s knowledge and work in microbiology have earned him respect in the field. His research helps shape ways to fight antimicrobial resistance and boost environmental sustainability.

Dr. Oladipo holds a Ph. D Microbiology from North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. As a medical laboratory professional with a passion for clinical and public health microbiology, I have keen interest in understanding the complex relationships between microorganisms, humans, and the environment. My research focuses on detection and characterization of pathogenic organisms associated with the gut, skin, tissue, water and other body fluids. These include methicillin resistant-Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), enterobacteriaeceae and other infectious pathogens responsible for communicable and non-communicable diseases. As a medical microbiologist, I have proficiency in performing accurate diagnostic testing and interpreting laboratory tests to aid in disease diagnosis and treatment. I am also skilled in molecular biology techniques to identify genetic disorders and infectious diseases. Furthermore, I also have expertise in culturing, identifying, and performing susceptibility testing of microorganisms to guide antibiotic therapy and I am familiar with regulations and standards governing laboratory practice in Nigeria. My desire to study the link between pathogenic bacteria and fungi and their mobile genetic elements implicated in multi-bacterial resistance in both clinical and environmental settings has led to publication of articles in reputable journals. This has led to the improvement of public health, particularly in resource-limited settings. My experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, innovation, and effective communication in addressing complex scientific challenges. My ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. This I believe, could be achieved through continuous learning and staying current with emerging technologies and engaging with communities such as FAILSAFE.

Some of my previous publications are listed below:
(1) A.O. Oladipo, O.A. Olowe, K.F. Olafimihan S.J. Udoh. (2014). Ctx-m, Tem, and Shv Beta- lactamases in clinical isolates of Klebsiella species in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 21, Supplement 1,Page 418, ISSN 1201 9712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2014.03.1282.
(2) Olaniran O, Adefusi OF, Idowu OJ, Oladipo OA, Afolayan DO, Aderibigbe IA, et al. (2015). Isolation and evaluation candida species of among pregnant women in obafemi awolowo university teaching hospital, ile-ife. Nigeria
(3) Oladipo, A.O., Oladipo, O.G. and Bezuidenhout, C.C. (2019). Multi-drug resistance traits of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other Staphylococcal species from clinical and environmental sources. Journal of Water and Health. 17.6: 930-943
(4) Oladipo, A.O., Oladipo, O.G. & Bezuidenhout, C.C. (2023). Detection of mecA positive staphylococcal species in a wastewater treatment plant in South Africa. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 117165117178 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30319-9.
(5) Maguvu, T.E., Oladipo, A.O. and Bezuidenhout, C.C. (2021). Analysis of Genome Sequences of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolates from South Africa and Nigeria Highlighted Environmentally Driven Heterogeneity. Journal of Genomics 2021; 9:26-37. doi:10.7150/jgen.53019. https://www.jgenomics.com/v09p0026.htm.

Affliation/Professional Memberships
2023 – Date Visiting Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Ilesa, Nigeria.
2020 – Date Elected Member, British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC)
2014 – Date Academy Member, Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
2014 – Date Global Outreach member, American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
2008 – Date Fellow, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (FMLSN)

ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9793-1722
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adegboyegaoladipo-phd-fmlsn-62731045

Olufemi

Oyetoke

Asst. Medical Laboratory Services

Academia

Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research interest is in the area of Laboratory diagnostics (identification systems), immunology of etiological agents (Fungal elements)/ molecular application and Research ethics/integrity.

Hello there. Thank you for having me say. I am Olufemi Oyewumi Oyetoke, an assistant Director of Medical Laboratory Services in my health facility; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife up till date. I am a 45year old native of Kwara State, Nigeria. I am a multidisciplinary professional with an amazing line up of professional /continuous professional development training, research publications with international journals and robust work ethic. I have been in the league of scientific trainers, life coaches and involved in academic mentoring for our teeming young professionals.
I have been hands on around molecular application and Research work experience. I am into Quality Management System and a member of the pioneering committee for the 5-year plan/projection for re-diversification and retooling of the Medical Laboratory Services in my amiable health institution.
As the Quality Manager of the Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Department for a decade now (organizing internal quality assessment-Proficiency testing and competency assessment), I have encouraged a wide array of young graduate to pursue their dream in academics and professional. I have been involved in the yearly internship training programs, Seminar presentation Scheme e.t.c I have also made it a point of duty to prepare them with academic evaluation and recommendation letter to spur them to having the right poise for opportunities of learning.
In the last five year till date, I doubled as the group Quality Manager of TOFEMEDIC Medical Center in Ile-Ife City, an accredited Diagnostics and Medicare Centre with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria rendering excellent Health Care delivery to the citizenry.
As a YALINETWORK certified personnel (servant Leadership, Strategy for personal growth and development, Management Strategies for sponsored by the Mandela Foundation; I am conscientious, a self-team starter, a goal getter and ardent believer in people seeing people how they can become in destiny. I have come to reflect Leadership qualities honed by the synergy between the Spirit of Leadership and Leadership spirit with an unwavering strength of character.
I am proudly Nigerian and understand the need for trans-generation depository of transformational ideas. I take genuine pride in my outlook (dark and lovely), as a self-actualizing individual: finding joy in the success of others, applying high emotional intelligence, high intelligent quotient meeting with high energy and leaving them better than I met them.
I have invested speaking time, encouraging a number of our upcoming generation of professionals to specialize in Medical Mycology most especially females because of the huge gap/opportunity in this area (it is one of the least exploited areas), a deficit in the required skill set (specialist mentorship) and diagnostic laboratory applications to make it a golden arena of fulfillment in research. I have a very strong desire to translate the knowledge taken away from this training as fresh set of eyes/insight to develop the Mycology unit of my department. here at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria.

BOB ROLEX

OPIO

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT – MICROBIOLOGY

Academia

Makerere University

Uganda

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Microbial Pathogenesis, Patient engagement

As part of our country’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial resistance and one health approach, My main research interests align with antifungal resistances patterns, surveillance of resistant hospital associated infections and patient factors that drive resistance.

Dr. Opio Bob Rolex is a 32-year-old Ugandan medical doctor, husband, and proud father of one. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from Gulu University, graduating in 2019. Licensed by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, Dr. Opio has developed a strong foundation in clinical care, research, and health service leadership.

Currently he is pursuing a masters in medical microbiology at Makerere University and working on his research project titled: Candiduria in catheter associated Urinary tract Infections. He once served as a Settlement Medical Officer at Lamwo Refugee Camp, he is responsible for patient care, supervision of clinical teams, epidemic response, and liaising with key health partners such as UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Minister. His previous experience includes working in the pediatric ward at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, where he responded to emergencies, led mentorship programs, and managed specialized clinics like the T1DM clinic. He has also served as Medical Officer in charge at Barry Medical Center in Pakwach.

Dr. Opio is known for his diligence, leadership, and dedication to patient-centered care. He has participated in major health projects, including TASO’s HIV mentorship program and the Syndromic Surveillance Intervention in Northern Uganda. Outside of work, he values family life and community service, consistently striving to impact lives through compassionate and effective healthcare.

Miss

Jennifer Mirekua

Osei

Research Scientist

Industry

University of Cape Coast

Ghana

AI/new tools, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Industry engagement, Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

My primary research interest lies in the discovery and early-stage development of drugs for neglected and emerging diseases. I am particularly drawn to addressing gaps in treatment for conditions that disproportionately affect low-resource settings. Through this fellowship, I hope to build the skills and collaborations necessary to contribute meaningfully to global health innovation and equity

Jennifer Mirekua Osei is an early-career professional with a strong academic background in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. She is currently serving at the Ghana Infectious Disease Center, where she is gaining hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics, including HIV viral load testing and biosafety procedures.

Jennifer’s long-term career goal is to become a research scientist specializing in the discovery and development of drugs and vaccines for neglected and emerging diseases, especially those that affect underserved populations.

She is passionate about bridging the gap between scientific research and global health needs, with a particular interest in early-stage drug development and infectious disease immunology. Her experience in both academic and clinical lab settings has deepened her desire to contribute to Africa’s biomedical research landscape.

Jennifer is currently exploring graduate programs and international fellowships as well as mentorship to strengthen her research capabilities and build global networks.

Outside the lab, she is a graphic designer and aspiring resin art entrepreneur and passionate about personal and professional development.

Jennifer is excited to connect with like-minded professionals through FAILSAFE and contribute to collaborative solutions in science and health across Africa and beyond.

David LUPANDE

Mwenebitu

Research / Clinical Microbiologist

Academia

Université Catholique de Bukavu

Congo

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics, Omics

As a clinical microbiologist, focused on susceptibiliy testing and diagnosis of pathogen (Bacterial,fungiya,virus,…)

Anti microbial resistance mécanisme and anti fungal susceptibility assay

Rashid Idd

Kihwelo

Tutorial Assistant (Microbiology)

Academia

University of Dar Es Salaam

Tanzania

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My research interest is on the microbial genomics and one health.

Rashid Idd Kihwelo is an experienced microbiologist current working at the University of Dar es Salaam as a Tutorial Assistant (Microbiology and Immunology) and he is also doing his MPhil in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases at the University of Ghana. His research interest is on molecular biology and genomics of Infectious diseases. He is currently exploring the mechanisms of hetero resistance to antimicrobials in Gram negative bacteria and yeast.

Dr.

Chizaram

Onyeaghala

Infectious Diseases Physician

Academia

University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Sporothrix

Clinical Mycology Candidiasis

Aspergillosis Histoplamosis

Clinician-Scientist with over ten years of progressive experience in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vaccinology and Global Public Health. My research focuses on emerging infectious diseases, HIV Medicine, antimicrobial resistance, and clinical mycology. I have led both Emerging Infectious Diseases and Medical Mycology research projects in Nigeria. Presently, I serve as the coordinator of the HIV treatment and care program with over 5500 active clients. I have published over 35 peer reviewed manuscripts in reputable local and international journals, presented scientific abstracts in national and international conferences and serve as a peer reviewer for a number of reputable journals such as BMJ Global Health, Open Forum Infectious Disease, Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Diseases to mention a few. I am also serve as the Section Editor Infectious and Emerging Diseases, Journal of Public Health in Africa, an Africa CDC Journal.

Dr.

Shamsaldeen

Saeed

Assistant Professor in Microbiology

Academia

University of Nyala

Sudan

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology

My research focuses on antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and zoonotic disease. I have been active in the research of antimicrobial resistance and searching for alternative antimicantimicrobials last few years and m,y research work has been recognised in the community through a number of publications in journals https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shamsaldeen-Saeed, conferences and, symposia.

My current research interest on application of nanoparticles in biomedical science, and we aim to apply this novel material for trthe eatment of infectiois casue by bacteria and fungi aiming to ,eliminate and reduce infectionsinfectiousndiseasessis, thereby decreasing the reliance on antibiotics and addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Shamsaldeen I. Saeed, DVM, MSc, Ph.D., earned his DVM from the Faculty of the
Veterinary Medicine University of Khartoum in 2012. Following graduation, Dr.
Shamsaldeen practiced large Animal Medicine in dairy farms in Khartoum for two
years. He left the practice to study master’s program in the Department of the
Microbiology University of Khartoum where he received an MSc in 2016. He was
hired as a Teaching Assistance IN the Department of Microbiology at Nyala
University, and then he was promoted to Lecturer in Microbiology in 2016.
Dr. Shamsaldeen received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Universiti Malaysia
Kelantan (UMK) in Malaysia in 2022. His research focuses on the burden of
antimicrobial resistance bacteria isolated from livestock and developing alternative
antimicrobials.
Following his PhD completion, he became Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Fthe aculty
of Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia ,from 2023 to 2024,
tThenhe became aan ssistance professor by contract for the one year at University of JubaShamsaldeen’sdan
Shamsaldeen teaching duties include bacteriology, mycology, and preventive
veterinais ry mea dicine. He also member of the American Society for Microbiology
(ASM) since 2019.

Leonard

Kambewa

Medical doctor

Industry

University of Ghana

Ghana

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

As a medical doctor and implementation scientist, my research in medical mycology focuses on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fungal infections, particularly in resource-limited settings. I am interested in the epidemiology and burden of invasive and opportunistic fungal diseases, antifungal resistance patterns, and the integration of evidence-based fungal diagnostics into routine clinical care. My work aims to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical practice by evaluating and implementing context-appropriate diagnostic tools, optimizing antifungal stewardship programs, and informing health policy. I am also committed to capacity building through training and health system strengthening to enhance fungal disease management across healthcare levels.

Dr. Leonard is a public health physician with over 12 years of experience in public service, currently serving as the District Medical Officer for the Phalombe District Council in Malawi. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and a Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Technician, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to patient care across the healthcare continuum. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious WHO/TDR Postgraduate Scholarship, a recognition of his exceptional leadership and potential in global health research.

He is presently completing a Master of Public Health at the University of Ghana, School of Public Health, with a concentration in implementation science. In his current role, Dr. Leonard leads the Curative and Rehabilitative Department, serving as the technical lead for key public health programs, including those targeting communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. His work emphasizes the design, execution, and scale-up of evidence-based interventions across community, primary, and secondary healthcare levels.

With a unique blend of clinical insight and systems-level expertise, Dr. Leonard is committed to strengthening health systems through innovation, policy translation, and sustainable implementation strategies making him a leading voice in public health practice in Malawi and beyond.

Dr.

Adam

Mustapha

Senior lecturer

Academia

University of Maiduguri

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Virulence factors

As a Clinical and Medical Microbiologist, my research area focuses on host-pathogen interactions and how antimicrobial resistance emerged through the One Health concept. Following up with that, I also focus on drug discovery and development to complement conventional Antimicrobials.

My Postgraduate studies started with a M.Sc. in Biomedical Science from The University of West of England, Bristol, UK where I developed Daunorubincin and Quinoline Biosensors. That experience prompted me to explore my research to enrolled in PhD in Clinical and Medical Microbiology, at Near East University Nicosia Cyprus, I continued my research on infectious diseases with specialist interest in opportunistic mycoses and antimicrobial resistance.
I am currently a faculty member at the university of Maiduguri Nigeria, where I teach courses such as Advanced Medical Mycology, Pathogenic Bacteriology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Immunology.
I trained more than 10 Masters and 3 PhD candidates and many undergraduate students.

Pape Ndiole

DIAGNE

PhD Student

Academia

Université Gaston Berger Saint-Louis

Senegal

Diagnostics, Other spp.

We are working on the molecular diagnosis of mycetoma, which is a particular pathology. Our work focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy: molecular diagnosis allows for the specific and rapid identification of the pathogens responsible for mycetoma (bacteria or fungi), which is difficult with conventional methods (culture, histology).

Currently in the second year of a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Gaston Berger University of Saint Louis, I hold a Master’s degree in Animal Biology, specializing in Population Genetics. Through my professional experience, I have gained strong skills in Molecular Biology and Medical Biology.

Prof. Dr.

Vanice

Poester

Professor and Researcher

Academia

Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG)

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Prof. Dr. Vanice Poester has been pursuing research in the applied medical mycology field since her graduation (focused mostly on the pathogens Aspergillus spp., Paracoccidioides spp., Histoplasma spp., Cryptococcus spp. and Sporothrix spp.). Her research has been developed at the Group of Medical Mycology (MedMyco) in FURG, mainly studying distinct aspects of sporotrichosis by S. brasiliensis, an emerging zoonosis in Brazil and other countries in Latin America.

Presently, Vanice is a member of the faculty of FURG as an adjunct Professor of Immunology at the School of Medicine. During her scientific career as a young researcher, she co-advised graduate (n=5) and post-graduate students (n=3) She has authored or co-authored >60 published full articles in scholarly journals with high impact in the medical mycology area, since the beginning of her career in 2014. Her outstanding work was recognized through five awards already received, such in local events at FURG, and international events (20th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, 2018, Amsterdam RAI, the Netherlands, and 10th Trends in Medical Mycology, 2021, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom). In the last year, she was also the winner of the Ira Salkin award 2020 from International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) for the best paper published by a young ISHAM member in Medical Mycology in 2020. In addition to the research activities, Vanice also has collaborated in the diagnostic efforts of the MedMyco for the last five years, as well as organizing and participating in local events focused in health education regarding fungal diseases, for health professionals and for their communities. She is a co-leader of some teaching and extension projects from the MedMyco group that aim to contribute educational illustrative material (folders, books, others) regarding mycoses and with the major aim of increasing the diagnosis of fungal diseases. An example of this action is reducing sporotrichosis in a hyperendemic area of Brazil, and improving the public health approach.

Miss

Madalo Colleta

Phiri

Laboratory Technologist

Mzuzu University

Malawi

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

AMR and HIV drug resistance

Madalo Phiri is a Laboratory Technologist at the National Public Health Reference Laboratories under the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Mzuzu University. Her research interests lie in molecular biology, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the application of genomics and bioinformatics in public health. Madalo has been actively involved in various research projects, including the isolation of Vibrio, Rotavirus, and SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater, and the genomic surveillance of cholera and HIV drug resistance.

She has strong skills in laboratory diagnostics, bacterial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular techniques such as PCR, genome sequencing, and data analysis using bioinformatics tools. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Madalo has earned recognition for her leadership, serving as class president and as a secretary for the United Nations Volunteers Mzuzu Chapter during her university years. She was also part of the SOP Development Workshop for the National Genomics Sequencing Reference Laboratory, contributing to national genomic research capacity. Her passion lies in contributing to health research that informs policy and strengthens health systems in Malawi and beyond.

Lauriane

Fomete Nomene

Epidemiologist

Academia

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Working with industry

My research interests center on infectious disease epidemiology with a focus on antimicrobial resistance, particularly in resource-limited settings. I am especially interested in fungal pathogens and have previously engaged with the CandiRes/COMBAT Candida projects. My clinical background as a physician combined with my epidemiological training provides me with a unique perspective on translational research in this field.
My work spans clinical trials management and implementation research, with extensive experience coordinating multicenter studies across different African settings. Previous projects include the DATURA clinical trial investigating tuberculosis treatment in HIV patients with severe immunosuppression, and the DREAMM implementation research project focused on integrating HIV-related CNS infection diagnostics into routine care pathways.
Currently, I am completing an MSc in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, building on my previous MSc in Public Health from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. My research interests include:

Antifungal resistance surveillance and epidemiology
Implementation strategies for fungal diagnostics in resource-limited settings
Clinical management of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised populations
Health systems strengthening approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance
Translational research bridging laboratory findings to clinical practice

I am particularly interested in developing sustainable approaches to fungal disease management that can be integrated into existing healthcare infrastructures in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Lauriane Fomete Nomene is a physician, epidemiologist, and global health researcher with nine years of experience in infectious disease research and clinical trial management. With a medical degree from Université des Montagnes (Cameroon), an MSc in Public Health from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and ongoing MSc in Epidemiology at LSHTM, she brings interdisciplinary expertise to fungal disease research.
Dr. Fomete Nomene has managed multicentric studies with leading institutions including IRD, ANRS-MIE, and St. George’s University of London. As Project Manager for the DATURA clinical trial, she oversaw protocol development, regulatory compliance, and site coordination for tuberculosis treatment in HIV patients. As Country Coordinator for DREAMM, she led the integration of HIV-associated CNS infection diagnostics into routine care, establishing pathways for cryptococcal meningitis management in resource-limited settings.
Her expertise spans infectious disease epidemiology, implementation science, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, with specialized skills in biostatistics and data analysis (STATA, R). A recipient of the NIHR UK HIV Research Fellowship (2024) and ICCC Conference Fellow Award (2023), she contributes to peer-reviewed publications focusing on infectious disease management and health systems strengthening.
Fluent in English and French, Dr. Fomete Nomene is committed to leveraging implementation science to improve fungal disease outcomes and combat antimicrobial resistance in Africa.

PhD candidate

Felipe

Carvalho da Costa

PhD student

Academia

Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp)

Brazil

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Omics, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My main research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, microbiology, and translational medicine. I am particularly interested in the development of innovative immunotherapies and vaccines to combat invasive fungal infections. My work involves exploring host–pathogen interactions, peptide-based vaccines, nanoparticle delivery systems, safety assays and dendritic cell therapy using murine and human in vitro cell models. I am also committed to advancing ethical and sustainable research practices by optimizing the use of animal models for vaccine experiments while actively seeking strategies to reduce animal usage whenever possible.

I am a Biomedical Scientist with a passion for science, motivated by solving real-world problems through innovative approaches.

During my undergraduate studies, I worked extensively with fungi, dealing with challenges in diagnostics and pathogenesis while gaining expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and clinical analysis. Pursuing my PhD, I focused on endemic invasive mycoses and the development of immunotherapies.

This sparked my fascination with harnessing the immune system to combat diseases. I also had the opportunity to gain international experience at the Institut Pasteur of Paris, where I expanded my knowledge in immunology, contributed to various projects, and collaborated with a diverse multicultural team. Currently, I am concluding my PhD in Sciences, where I have developed expertise in preclinical trials, flow cytometry, peptide vaccines, nanoparticles, cell culture, and both traditional and alternative in vivo models. Throughout my work, I have also sought methods to reduce animal use in experimentation and promote alignment with sustainable practices.

Tuan

Nguyen

PhD

Academia

Hong Bang University International

Vietnam

Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education

Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics: Developing and improving diagnostic methods for infectious diseases.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Investigating resistance mechanisms, particularly in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Molecular Epidemiology: Studying the spread and evolution of resistant bacterial strains in hospital settings.
Bioinformatics and Microbiome Analysis: Utilizing computational tools to analyze microbial communities and resistance genes.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Si-Tuan-Nguyen

– Clinical Microbiology; – Molecular Medical Diagnostics – Medical Immunology testing

Skills and Expertise

Antibiotic Resistance
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Antimicrobials
Bacteriology
Microbial Molecular Biology
Molecular Microbiology
General Microbiology
PCR
Microbial Culture
Applied Microbiology

Lia

Edkins

Research Clinician

Academia

University of KwaZulu-Natal, WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Patient engagement

My main research interests include mortality prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in people with advanced HIV disease – specifically cryptococcal infection.

I am the study clinician for the EFFECT Clinical Trial at the Durban site in South Africa. EFFECT is comparing the efficacy of dual antifungal treatment (flucytosine and fluconazole) with the current standard of care (Fluconazole monotherapay) in adult participants with HIV associated Cryptococcal antigenaemia.
Link to clinical trial website: https://witsmycology.co.za/projects/EFFECT/index.html
Link to staff profile: https://witsmycology.co.za/projects/EFFECT/UKZN.html

I am also part of research examining the effectiveness of the current cryptococcal antigen screening pathway in South Africa as well as an observational study assessing outcomes in people with asymptomatic cryptococcal meningitis.

I am also leading a qualitative research which explores the lived experiences of people living with cryptococcal infection and advanced HIV disease. The research involves using body-mapping techniques and focus group discussions. The findings from this research will inform the development of future HIV and cryptococcal management programs. The art produced will also be used to raise awareness of cryptococcal infection within a community setting as well as in the scientific arena.

Lia Edkins a South African medical doctor, research clinician, and an advocate for improving the quality of healthcare for individuals living with Advanced HIV Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her research interests include treatment of opportunistic infections and mortality prevention in people with advanced HIV disease – specifically cryptococcal infection.

She is currently investigating new therapeutic regimens for HIV-associated asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia as a research clinician for the EFFECT (Efficacy of Flucytosine and Fluconazole as Early Cryptococcal Treatment) clinical trial in Durban, South Africa.

She is also part of an observational study assessing outcomes in people with asymptomatic cryptococcal meningitis and a situational analysis of the current cryptococcal antigen screening pathway in South Africa.

She is particularly interested in the patients’ lived experiences and how these impact mortality and adherence outcomes. Her upcoming qualitative research involves body-mapping workshops for people with HIV associated cryptococcal infection.

Dr Edkins is also passionate about empowering individuals and their communities through health education groups, which she conducts in Durban.

Doctor

Batula

Bishara Daggash

Consultant Clinical Microbiologist (Mycologist)

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Nigeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Innovative Platforms

I have worked on the molecular detection of fluconazole resistant Candida species among Candida species isolates isolated from clinical samples obtained from immunocompromised patients in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

My name is Batula Bishara Daggash. I am a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist with sub specialization in mycology. I work at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. My research interests are anti fungal resistance.
I hold MBBS degree from University of Maiduguri, Masters in Public Health Field Epidemiology from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a fellow of the West African College of Physicians

Marlon

Barraza Olivares

Clinical Pharmacy

Academia

Universidad de Chile

Chile

Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Virulence factors

I am a dedicated researcher with a
strong background in clinical and
epidemiology of infectious diseases.
My research interests lie in fungal
infections. I am eager to contribute
exploring fungal antimicrobial
resistance with one-health approach.

My name is Marlon Barraza and I am a Clinical Pharmacist with ten years of experience in infectious diseases, as well as a researcher and academic at Universidad de Chile. I recently completed my Master’s degree in Epidemiology from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. My thesis focused on the epidemiology and risk factors of fungal infections in children with cancer.
I am very interested in pursuing the Clinical Medicine PhD program with a focus on antifungal resistance evolution in pathogens such as Candida spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus, as well as the dynamics of host-fungus interactions.

Dra

Patrícia

Oliveira-Brito

postdoctoral

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Antigen, Cryptococcus, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Vaccine development

My research focuses on engineering macrophages with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) to enhance their antifungal immune responses against Cryptococcus spp. I am particularly interested in understanding how different CAR constructs modulate macrophage functions including phagocytosis, cytokine production, and intracellular killing of fungal cells. My work also explores the cellular signaling pathways involved in macrophage activation and polarization in response to various morphotypes of Cryptococcus, including typical and titan cells. This research aims to contribute to the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches to combat cryptococcosis.

http://lattes.cnpq.br/7048265677232614

Graduated in Biomedicine (2016) at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, UFTM, Master’s degree (2018) and PhD (2022) in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents from the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP-RP). Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine (USP-RP). She has experience in the areas of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Glycobiology and Applied Immunology, with an approach in innate and adaptive immunity cells, with emphasis on the following topics: immunotherapies, pathogen-host interaction, innate and adaptive immunity, immunomodulation, carbohydrate recognition, morphology, invasive fungal infections.

Danielle

Verhagen

Research Medical Officer

Commercial Organisation

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Antifungal use, Antigen, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Lateral Flow test

https://witsmycology.co.za/projects/EFFECT/index.html

EFFECT: Efficacy of Flucytosine and Fluconazole as Early Cryptococcal Treatment

EFFECT is a multicentre, open-label, randomized control trial comparing the efficacy of dual antifungal treatment with the current standard of care (Fluconazole monotherapay) in adult participants with confirmed Cryptococcal antigenaemia

Currently employed by Wits Health Consortium (WHC), Mycology Division, I am a sub-investigator on the EFFECT Trial, since January 2024. I am also involved as an investigator on both the CAST-OFF study and the subEFFECT study. These three studies are looking at different facets of cryptococcal disease, ranging from screening and health seeking behaviour, cryptococcal antigenaemia and cryptococcal meningitis.

Prior to my move to WHC, I lived and worked in a small rural town in Eswatini, where my passion for public health and underserved communities was sparked. I have completed my postgraduate diploma in public health through the University of Pretoria, my Diploma in HIV management through the College of Medicine South Africa and am currently completing my post graduate diploma in Infectious Diseases through Stellenbosch University. The past year on the EFFECT team has shown me the enormous potential impact that research outcomes can have on even the most vulnerable populations. I look forward to the impact it will have for future generations for people living with HIV. Outside of work, you may find me on a bicycle or enjoying South Africa’s game parks.

Wilhelm

Oosthuysen

Principal Scientist

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Host-pathogen interactions, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research interest focusses on microbial pathophysiology, host pathogen interactions and AMR.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelm-oosthuysen-ph-d-93b3778a/

Experienced Microbiologist with a demonstrated history of working in clinical trials, manufacturing and research.

Mxolisi Njabulo

Xulu

Research Medical Officer

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

TB/HIV and Infectious Disease Focus:
I am a research medical officer, currently employed by Wits health consortium, mycology division as a sub-investigator in the following studies and sub-studies.
1) Fluconazole plus flucytosine vs. fluconazole alone for cryptococcal antigen-positive patients identified through screening: A phase III randomised controlled trial
Acronym: EFFECT: Efficacy of Flucytosine and Fluconazole as Early Cryptococcal Treatment
• Site (s): Port Elizabeth (Dora Nginza Provincial Hospital & Livingstone Hospital)
• Ancillary Studies/Sub studies:
The economics sub-study comparing societal cost and health benefits in both arms.
Efficacy outcomes by CrAg titre/SQ score.

2) Pathophysiology and clinical outcomes of subclinical cryptococcal meningitis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Acronym: Subclinical Cryptococcal Meningitis in patients excluded from participation in the EFFECT Study (Sub-EFFECT)
• Sites: Port Elizabeth (Dora Nginza Provincial Hospital & Livingstone Hospital)
• Ancillary Studies/Sub studies
Evaluation of mortality by baseline blood and CSF cryptococcal antigen titre.
Parameters of meningeal inflammation/cytokine analysis.
Health economics.
Organism-related factors associated with CM.

Tropical Diseases & Global Health:
My PGDip in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (Wits University) indicates a broader interest in endemic diseases and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). My previous research on COVID-19 through the Human Sciences Research Council shows engagement with epidemiological trends, outbreak responses, and data collection methodologies—valuable for further work in tropical disease surveillance. Potential avenues for expansion include vector-borne illnesses, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related disease burden in tropical settings.

Clinical & Public Health Intersection:
Previous work experiences place me in a strong position to investigate treatment adherence, drug-resistant TB, and innovative diagnostics for co-infected patients. Additionally, involvement with the South African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHCS) suggests a potential avenue for contributing to guideline development, policy implementation, and interdisciplinary strategies in TB-HIV management.

Current research involvement
Focus: Cryptococcus- https://witsmycology.co.za/projects/EFFECT/index.html

Mxolisi Njabulo Xulu, MBChB, PGDip (TB-HIV Management, Tropical Medicine & Hygiene).
Mxolisi Xulu is a dedicated clinical researcher and medical professional specializing in TB/HIV management, infectious diseases, and fungal infections. As a Research Medical Officer at Wits Health Consortium, he serves as a sub-investigator in the EFFECT and Sub-EFFECT trials, evaluating antifungal treatments for cryptococcal meningitis—an opportunistic infection common in HIV patients. His work integrates clinical outcomes, pathophysiology, and health economics, contributing to evidence-based therapeutic strategies.
With a PGDip in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene from Wits University and a PGDip in TB-HIV Management from UCT, Mxolisi brings a strong foundation in neglected tropical diseases and public health interventions.
A member of SAHCS, SAMA, and WSPID, Mxolisi is eager to expand his research into antifungal resistance, tropical disease surveillance, and One Health approaches. He welcomes collaborations focusing on diagnostic innovations, treatment optimization, and global health strategies for LMICs.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mxolisi-n-xulu-924987185

Ms.

Syahriar Nur Maulana Malik

Ibrahim

Ph.D. student

Academia

Chulalongkorn University

Thailand

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Aspergillus, Candida, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp.

Niar is interested in microbial (fungi and bacteria) exploration by polyphasic identification (physiology, morphology, ecology, and genetics), their utilization of environment and industry, and their interaction in animals, plants and environments approach by omics. As an environmental microbiologist dedicated to understanding fungal pathogen interactions, she has spent nearly a decade advancing knowledge in this field. Currently, she works at the Nat Pombubpa Lab, Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, focusing on detecting pathogenic fungi and bacteria reservoirs using metagenomic processes and analysis tools like HPCC and R Studio. Her expertise includes microbial isolation and applications in bio-products such as hydrolase enzymes, biosurfactants, and oligosaccharides.
Link: https://sea-armi.github.io/members/niar-rose.html

Niar Ibrahim Rose (Syahriar Nur Maulana Malik Ibrahim) is an environmental microbiologist with nearly seven years of experience in microbiology (2017–present). She is a Ph.D. student, and she got bachelor’s degree in biology at Airlangga University (Indonesia) and a master’s degree in biotechnology at Chulalongkorn University. She is currently based at the Nat Pombubpa Lab, Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, where she focuses on detecting environmental reservoirs of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Her work involves high-throughput metagenomic analysis using HPCC and R Studio platforms.
Her research background spans microbial isolation and the development of microbial applications, particularly in bio-products such as hydrolase enzymes, biosurfactants, and oligosaccharides. She is skilled in research management, team coordination, and data interpretation, with strong analytical and communication abilities.
Niar’s primary interest lies in the exploration and identification of fungi and bacteria using a polyphasic approach that integrates physiology, morphology, ecology, and genetics. She is especially intrigued by microbial interactions across environmental, plant, and animal systems, leveraging multi-omics tools for a comprehensive understanding.
She is currently involved in the SEA-ARMi (Southeast Asia Antifungal Resistance Monitoring initiative) project, led by Dr. Nat Pombubpa, where she contributes to documenting the presence and genomic characteristics of fungal pathogens listed on the WHO fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL) in Southeast Asia.

Tsidiso

Maphanga

Medical Scientist

Academia

National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) South Africa

South Africa

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My research interests include the molecular epidemiology of fungal pathogens, diagnosis of fungal infections through advanced laboratory techniques, detection of fungal pathogens in environmental samples, and determination of antifungal susceptibility profiles alongside the investigation of resistance mechanisms.

Tsidiso Maphanga is an emerging scientist specializing in Medical Mycology. She currently serves as a Senior Scientist at the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mycoses (CHARM) within the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Tsidiso earned her PhD from the University of the Free State’s, Department of Medical Microbiology, under the mentorship of Prof. Nelesh P. Govender. Her research focuses on the molecular epidemiology of fungal pathogens responsible for invasive infections in hospitalized patients. This work led to the discovery of Blastomyces emzantsi and the reclassification of thermally dimorphic pathogens within the Ajellomycetaceae family, a key milestone in her doctoral studies. She is also interested in antifungal susceptibility testing and investigating mechanisms of fungal resistance. Tsidiso actively contributes to the evaluation of novel diagnostic assays aimed at improving the accurate diagnosis and management of life-threatening invasive mycoses, including candidemia and endemic mycoses. She has successfully managed seven research projects to completion and has collaborated with both national and international researchers, resulting in over 31 high-impact, peer-reviewed publications. Currently, she co-supervises PhD, MSc, and Honours students, and plays an active role in training and mentoring intern medical scientists, medical technologists, and registrars.

Nada

BEN HALIMA EP BEN ABDESSALEM

Medical Doctor and Biologist Specialist working at the Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory of Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia

Academia

Ibn El Jazzar Medical Faculty of Sousse

Tunisia

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

I am a medical doctor and biologist specialized in medical mycology and parasitology. I completed one year of training in the Mycology Laboratory at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris (APHP), where I had the opportunity to regularly attend the weekly meetings of the French National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungal Susceptibility. This experience had a strong and lasting impact on my career path.

Currently, I am a newly appointed Hospital-University Assistant in Parasitology–Mycology at Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia. My upcoming research projects, currently under institutional review and approval, focus on the surveillance, identification, and antifungal susceptibility profiling of fungal pathogens responsible for invasive fungal infections (IFI) in Tunisia.

I am also developing the idea of a national research initiative aimed at establishing a framework for IFI and antifungal resistance surveillance, in anticipation of the official launch of a research unit at my hospital. This initiative is part of a broader long-term vision to establish a National Reference Center for invasive fungal infections and antifungal susceptibility testing, in order to improve our knowledge of local fungal epidemiology, strengthen diagnostic capabilities, and support national antifungal stewardship.

I am a medical doctor and biologist specialized in medical mycology and parasitology. I currently serve as a Hospital-University Assistant at the Parasitology–Mycology Laboratory of Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia. I completed one year of clinical and laboratory training in medical mycology at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, France, where I actively participated in the weekly staff meetings of the French National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungal Susceptibility, a formative experience that deeply influenced my professional orientation.

My academic and clinical interests lie in the surveillance, diagnosis, and antifungal susceptibility testing of invasive fungal infections (IFI), particularly among immunocompromised patients. I am currently developing a research initiative aimed at creating a national surveillance framework for IFIs and antifungal resistance in Tunisia. This project is part of a broader vision to eventually establish a National Reference Center for invasive fungal infections and antifungal stewardship.

I am particularly interested in collaborating with international colleagues on multicentric studies, surveillance networks, and fungal resistance monitoring programs.

Doctor

Thierry K

GUIGUEMDE

Associate professor

Academia

Université de Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

Our main research focuses on combating emerging mycoses and antifungal resistance.
In Burkina Faso, where we are located, mycoses are underestimated and neglected. Current practice habits, as well as a lack of qualified mycology personnel, combined with insufficient technical resources, contribute to a failure to diagnose fungal diseases and, increasingly, to their neglect.
The inappropriate use of antifungal drugs and pesticides leads to fungal resistance, complicating the treatment of certain mycoses.
Our team is working extensively on these different areas to better combat fungal diseases.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9426-7464

https://progres.ujkz.gov.bf/enseignants/974/resume

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9426-7464

JACKLINE ANSIGAR

LUGONGO

CLINICAL RESEARCH NURSE

Academia

National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Tanzania

Tanzania

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Patient engagement

My main research interests focus on infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS and related conditions such as cryptococcal meningitis, diabetes, and hypertension. I am dedicated to improving patient outcomes through clinical trials, integrated care, and effective treatment strategies. I also have a strong interest in advancing medical mycology research to improve diagnosis and management in low-resource settings.

Currently, I am involved in the EFFECT Trial, a phase III randomized controlled study evaluating combination antifungal therapy versus standard treatment for cryptococcal antigen-positive HIV patients with severe immunosuppression (CD4 <100 cells/μl).

Jackline Ansigar Lugongo is a Clinical Research Nurse at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Muhimbili Centre in Tanzania. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Dodoma and has built a strong foundation in both clinical care and health research. Her professional journey has been shaped by extensive hands on experience in clinical trials, public health surveys, and hospital based care making her a skilled and dedicated healthcare professional.
Her research interests center on infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS and its related comorbidities such as cryptococcal meningitis, diabetes, and hypertension. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based interventions, integrated care models, and innovative treatment strategies.
Currently, she is involved in the EFFECT Trial (Efficacy of Flucytosine and Fluconazole as Early Cryptococcal Treatment), a phase III randomized controlled study assessing whether combination antifungal therapy is more effective than fluconazole alone in reducing mortality among HIV-infected adults with advanced immunosuppression (CD4 <100 cells/μl) who test positive for cryptococcal antigen. The trial evaluates outcomes including six-month all-cause mortality, cryptococcal meningitis-free survival, and treatment safety.
Her previous work includes participation in the INTE-AFRICA study, which focused on integrating care for HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. As well as the META Trial, the largest study of metformin conducted in Africa, META Trial aims to identify a low-cost intervention to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in people living with HIV and pre-diabetes who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). She has also contributed to national nutrition and health surveys using the SMART methodology, with experience ranging from tertiary hospitals to community level data collection.
Jackline is particularly committed to advancing medical mycology and addressing antimicrobial resistance in low-resource settings. She looks forward to contributing to the FAILSAFE network through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and context-specific solutions for improved fungal infection management in LMICs.

Anna

Mosses

Research Officer

Commercial Organisation

National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Tanzania

Tanzania

AI/new tools, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Patient engagement

I am a Research Officer at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) with a clinical background in medicine and a Master’s degree in Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation. I am currently involved in the Advanced HIV Clinical Trial, focusing on cryptococcal infections².
My research experience spans multiple projects under NIMR, primarily in the field of infectious diseases. As a current PhD candidate (Under OPTIC TB TRIAL¹), my work focuses on paediatric tuberculosis—specifically diagnostic innovations, risk factors, and transmission among children.
My broader research interests include molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis and HIV, with an emphasis on improving diagnostics, understanding transmission dynamics, and supporting evidence-based public health interventions.
1.https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101145735#:~:text=Treatment%20algorithms%20for%20childhood%20tuberculosis,on%20the%20burden%20of%20TB.
2. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN30579828

I am a Research Officer at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) with a background in medicine (Bachelor of Medicine) and a Master’s degree in Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation. I am currently involved in the Advanced HIV Clinical Trial, focusing on cryptococcal infections, where I contribute to the evaluation of interventions for improved patient outcomes in advanced HIV disease.

Over the years, I have participated in several research projects under NIMR, contributing to studies on infectious diseases and public health interventions in Tanzania. I am currently pursuing a PhD with a focus on pediatric tuberculosis (TB), specifically investigating diagnostic innovations, risk factors, and transmission dynamics among children.

My broader research interests lie in molecular epidemiology, particularly in the context of infectious diseases. I am keen on exploring pathogen transmission pathways, resistance patterns, and host-pathogen interactions to inform evidence-based disease control strategies in resource-limited settings.

Mrs

Pauline

Katundu

Head of Department

Academia

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Malawi

Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Other spp.

My main research interest is in Dermatophytosis.
These superficial infections are very common in our setting.
Most treatment is given imperically and I would like to provide evidence based data on the species that are causing the infections.

My name is Pauline Katundu, a trained laboratory scientist currently working at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi.
I first developed an interest in mycology when studying for a diploma in Laboratory Science. After my Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, I worked in research laboratories that focused on other areas. Many years later, I joined KUHes, a teaching institution and my interest in mycology rekindled.
I have gained some knowledge via reading online resources and completing a certificate in Medical Mycology with the Institut Pasteur. I gained some skill in the identification of yeasts by participating in Fungal of the Week offered by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa.
Two years ago, some students and I isolated dermatophytes after incubation at room temperature because we did not have incubators that were below 30 degrees Celsius. In addition, I have supervised students working on yeast projects using wet mounts and gram stains.

I am interested in gaining more knowledge and skills in the mycology diagnostic area. Thus I would like to collaborate with others that are doing medical mycology research projects. The knowledge and skills gained will help me contribute effectively towards fungal infection management and also training of clinical and laboratory staff, as well as students.

Emma

Glickman

PhD Student

Academia

Tel Aviv University

Israel

AI/new tools, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology

Currently researching autoinflammatory disease Familial Mediterranean Fever

I’m a PhD student at the Maoz Lab at Tel Aviv University using tissue engineering to study the autoinflammatory disease Familial Mediterranean Fever. I received my undergraduate degrees in Biomaterials Engineering and Chemistry with minors in Biology and Mathematics from Alfred University, in Alfred, NY, USA.

Ph.D

Amanda

Santos

Post doctoral researcher

Academia

Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp)

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Sporothrix, Vaccine development

Main research interests are Sporotrichosis, Immune Response of Fungal Infections, Antifungal Drug Resistance and Genomic Epidemiology of Emerging Fungal Species. See Curriculum Lattes at: http://lattes.cnpq.br/5252864472339770, and ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5577-4498

Amanda Ribeiro dos Santos is a post-doctoral researcher at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, and is the Young ISHAM Vice President. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biology Sciences at University of São Paulo State (UNESP Bauru), Brazil; has a Master’s degree in Tropical Diseases by Medicine School of Botucatu UNESP, Brazil, and Ph.D. in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases by Medicine School of Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University (UFMS), Brazil. Since her Bachelor’s time she has been involved in medical mycology research with experience in the following topics: host-parasite relationship of invasive dermatophytosis and mucormycosis using experimental models; crude extracts and drugs in-vitro testing on macrophage activities; and molecular mechanisms of paracoccidioidomycosis fibrogenesis using tissue and serum proteomics. After completing her Ph.D. she received an ORISE research training at the Mycosis Diseases Branch in the National Center for Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this time she worked with genomic epidemiology of emerging fungal pathogens including Candida auris, azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Trichophyton indotineae. In her current position at University of São Paulo, she will be working with research to understand the immune response of patients with sporotrichosis, as well as in collaboration with projects for sporotrichosis vaccine development, and multicenter international study to improve the understanding of the transmission, antifungal treatment and resistance and life-quality of patients with Sporotrichosis in Latin America.

Miss

Elana

Jantjies

Chief Medical Technologist: Microbiology

Industry

Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited

Namibia

Candida, Diagnostics, Working with industry

My main research interests are in fungal disease surveillance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a strong focus on monitoring epidemiological patterns and resistance trends of clinically significant fungal pathogens. I am particularly interested in translating surveillance data into actionable insights for infection prevention and control (IPC). This includes identifying emerging threats, supporting timely interventions, and enhancing laboratory diagnostic capacity.

My name is Elana Jantjies, and I am a Medical Technologist by profession. I began my career in 2011 and have since specialized in both Immunohematology and Microbiology. I currently serve as the Chief Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Department at the Namibia Institute of Pathology, where I oversee and manage microbiology operations at the National Reference Laboratory.
I have a strong interest in research, particularly in the areas of fungal disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and infection prevention and control (IPC). I am passionate about using laboratory data to inform public health responses and improve diagnostic practices.
My work spans several key areas, including Bacteriology, Mycology, Andrology, Parasitology, and Public Health. I am always open to collaborative opportunities, especially those focused on advancing microbiological diagnostics, surveillance systems, and infection control strategies.

Dr.

David

Langelaan

Associate Professor

Academia

Dalhousie University

Canada

Aspergillus, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach

I am a structural biologist working with Graham Dellaire at Dalhousie University. We are developing a project that involves repurposing FDA-approved kinase inhibitors to inhibit splicing kinases in pathogenic fungi such as Candida, Aspergillus, and Mucor.

We have identified inhibitors that target splicing kinases in Aspergillus, and my group is now characterizing the structure of the kinase-inhibitor complex. I am also measuring the affinity of these inhibitors to kinases to help design improved drugs.

I completed my PhD with Dr. Jan Rainey (Dalhousie University), where I used NMR spectroscopy to structurally characterize G-protein coupled receptors and their peptide ligands. I then completed a PDF with Dr. Steven Smith (Queen’s University) where I used a combination of NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography to characterize how intrinsically disordered transcription factors bind to transcriptional co-activators to initiate transcription of downstream genes. In 2016 I joined Dalhousie University where I lead a collaborative research program that uses NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography to characterize both the structure and dynamics of biomolecules. This is supplemented by calorimetry and fluorescence assays to evaluate the affinity of proteins for each other and for drugs. I am working with other researchers to identify kinases in fungi that are excellent drug targets that may even have FDA-approved drugs that target them. I have broad scientific interests in protein structure/function relationships as well as enzymology and inhibition.

Teagan

Van Wyk

Research Medical Officer

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology

I am a research medical officer working on clinical trials related to HIV-associated cryptococcal disease. These trials are investigating the use of both existing and new anti-fungal drugs for the prevention of life-threatening complications of cryptococcal disease, particularly cryptococcal meningitis. Through collaboration with laboratory-based researchers, I am also involved in a neuro-immunology study aimed at understanding host characteristics across the spectrum of cryptococcal disease for the identification of targets for testing and treatment.

I am a clinician-scientist with a background in medical biochemistry before completing my training as a medical doctor. I am working as a research medical officer on clinical trials related to HIV-associated cryptococcal disease. These trials are investigating the use of both existing and new anti-fungal drugs for the prevention of life-threatening complications of cryptococcal disease, particularly cryptococcal meningitis. Through collaboration with laboratory-based researchers, I am also involved in a neuro-immunology study aimed at understanding host characteristics across the spectrum of cryptococcal disease for the identification of targets for testing and treatment.

Dr.

Lukasz

Kozubowski

Principal Investigator

Academia

Clemson University

United States

Antifungal susceptibility, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Other spp., Virulence factors, Working with industry

Microbial pathogens utilize a variety of strategies to facilitate survival in the infected host. One of the most important mechanisms is the ability to respond to stress and adapt to an adverse host environment. Therefore, inhibiting stress response pathways constitutes a promising antimicrobial therapy.

We study a human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans to understand the mechanistic cellular processes used by pathogenic microorganisms to allow survival in the infected host. C. neoformans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen worldwide and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients. In addition, the sibling species, Cryptococcus gattii is responsible for the recent outbreak of fungal-caused meningitis in the Pacific north-west of the U.S.

Our work with C. neoformans has led us to hypothesize that this pathogen has evolved unique pathways to control cell division in a manner that allows it to survive within a human host. Testing this hypothesis would provide insights into how eukaryotic pathogens adapt to the host environment and could potentially reveal new targets for therapeutic interventions. In addition, our research will lead to an improved understanding of the evolutionary events that have resulted in alternative mechanisms of mitosis. My research program has the following three main aims: 1. Explore molecular basis for stress-induced changes in ploidy in C. neoformans, 2. Explain the intriguing interconnection between cytokinesis, endocytosis, and stress response in C. neoformans, 3. Elucidate the function of septins, filament forming GTPases, in stress response and pathogenicity of C. neoformans.

https://www.clemson.edu/science/academics/departments/genbio/about/profiles/lkozubo

https://www.clemson.edu/science/academics/departments/genbio/about/profiles/lkozubo

Alex

Corbett

Senior Lecturer

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Industry engagement, Working with industry

With a background in biophotonics, my main interest is in the development of new light-based tools to quantify physiological responses of well defined biological models to novel interventions (pharmaceutical, gene-editing, environmental, pathogenic). The recent development of a high throughput imaging platform designed around the well plate format is expected to accelerate discoveries in a variety of fields.

Staff profile page: https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/25092-alex-corbett

Research Group website: https://www.corbettlab.com/

Alex obtained MSci (Natural Sciences) and PhD (Engineering) degrees from the University of Cambridge in 2002 and 2008 respectively. Alex has conducted research in both academic and industrial settings, working with both startups and multinationals. After four years of postdoctoral research in advanced optical microscopy at the University of Oxford, Alex joined the University of Exeter in 2016 and became Senior Lecturer in 2020. The Corbett Lab has since developed imaging systems that have captured in vivo and in vitro data across a range of spatial scales from zebrafish and platynereis to cardiomyocytes and bacteria.

Nerve

Zhou

Researcher

Academia

Botswana International University of Science & Technology

Botswana

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My research aims to investigate the evolutionary, ecological, and pathogenic links between environmental yeast isolates and their clinical counterparts, with a particular focus on underexplored habitats in Southern Africa. The research will look at characteristics related to disease-causing ability like resistance to antifungal drugs, ability to form biofilms, enzyme activity, and heat toleranceâ€”and compare these to already known clinical strains. The work includes: Screening environmental isolates (e.g., Trichosporon, Cystobasidium, Candida) for potential pathogenicity phenotypes; Antifungal susceptibility testing and virulence factor assays;comparative genomics to trace evolutionary transitions from environmental saprobes to opportunistic pathogens; Integration of environmental metadata to understand ecological drivers of yeast pathogenic potential.This research will contribute to the understanding of environmental reservoirs of emerging fungal pathogens and inform global health perspectives on fungal infections.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerve-zhou-352951a/?originalSubdomain=za

PhD

Gabriela

Martínez

Postdoctoral Researcher

Academia

University of Turku

Finland

Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Omics

https://sites.utu.fi/hartialagroup/research/

Treatment of metastatic breast cancer requires surgical treatment and radiation therapy of the axillary lymph nodes. The disruption in the lymphatic flow may cause swelling of the affected limb known as lymphedema. Initial lymphedema often develops into chronic lymphedema, a progressive disease characterized by the loss of lymphatic function, accumulation of interstitial fluid and gradually to irreversible accumulation of fibrous adipose tissue. Lymphatic stasis, fibrosis, inflammation and adipose tissue expansion have been shown to play a role in lymphedema development, but the pathophysiology of lymphedema is still unresolved.

Our group investigates the pathophysiology, prediction and treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema. We study the tissue composition and gene expression of both normal and lymphedematous skin and adipose tissue, with a particular focus on immune cells. We use single-cell RNA sequencing, spectral flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining to obtain a comprehensive view on which cellular and molecular mediators are responsible for the initiation of adipose deposition and fibrosis in lymphedema. We are also characterizing the changes that take place in lymphatic endothelial cells as lymphedema progresses. Â Our aim is to clarify the pathophysiology of lymphedema and to pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches for this chronic and debilitating condition.

Postdoctoral Researcher studying the pathophysiology of secondary lymphedema.

Expert on inflammation driving chronic diseases.

Particular interest on the immune response leading to the development of the disease after surgical procedures. We use scRNAseq, flow cytometry, tissue immunofluorescence and other OMICs techniques to identify potential immune players driving fibrosis and adipose tissue expansion during lymphedema.

https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-1387-8715

Nashira

Bissoondut

Masters Student

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Candida, Monitoring transmission, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Natural ecological communities, such as the human gut offer optimal conditions favouring the growth of trillions of diverse categories of microorganisms. Various diverse microorganisms occupy similar niches within close proximities of the human gut, resulting in wide ranged associations between organisms. These interactions may be commensal, antagonistic or synergistic. Whilst high volumes of data have been generated regarding bacterial interactions within the human gut, a limited understanding of the interactions involving resident yeasts and enteric viruses exist. The research being conducting focuses on the investigation of hydrolytic enzymes secreted by Candida glabrata as antiviral agents against rotavirus. Rotavirus is an enteric virus associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in young children and elderly individuals. Populations in low-income countries, specifically Sub-Saharan Africa bear the greatest burden of disease despite the inclusion of rotavirus vaccines into their national immunisation programs. Several studies have proposed a relationship between Candida species and rotavirus, however, the complete relationship and influence of each microorganism on the other remains unelucidated. This provides a basis for further research to be conducted in regards to the direct influence that each organism may have on the other and the possible antiviral nature of the hydrolytic enzymes secreted by Candida glabrata against rotavirus.

I am an enthusiastic and motivated recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Microbiology. Known to have strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast paced and diverse environment. I am currently completing my Master of Science degree in Microbiology at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. I have a strong passion for microbiology and broadening my understanding of diverse microbial interactions and how i may use this in an industrial setting. As a novel scientist, I am looking forward to making mark in the world of science by exploring the various sectors of science including food microbiology, vaccine and drug development as well as environmental microbiology. I am a flexible and adaptable individual that enjoys exploring the unknown.

Dr.

Sameh

Belgacem

assistant professor

Academia

Université de Monastir

Tunisia

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on the molecular identification of medically important fungi, antifungal resistance mechanisms, and fungal virulence factors. I am also involved in developing and optimizing diagnostic tools to improve the early detection and management of fungal infections, particularly in resource-limited settings.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3533-3705

I am Dr. Sameh Belgacem, a clinical biologist and specialist in parasitology and medical mycology. I am an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir and a practicing clinical mycologist at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital in Tunisia. I hold a research masters degree in medical biology and health technologies, along with a certificate in medical mycology, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences.

My research interests include the molecular identification of medically important fungi, antifungal resistance, and fungal virulence factors. I am actively engaged in collaborative efforts to enhance fungal diagnostics and improve the clinical management of fungal infections, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Dr.

Kyle

Peet

Associate Director

BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH)

United States

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

Building and managing infectious disease research partnerships aligned with LMIC researcher and country priorities, from basic research through clinical trials; Elevating scientific expertise in LMICs.

BVGH strategically develops and manages programs across the for-profit and non-profit sectors to catalyze innovative research and development (R&D); expand research and healthcare capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); and increase access to high-quality health care.

Damas

Dukundane

Physician

Academia

National University of Rwanda

Rwanda

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Working with industry

As an internist and medical oncologist practicing in resource-limited settings such as Rwanda, I am deeply interested in the interplay between cancer, fungal biology, and the immune system. My clinical experience has highlighted the unique challenges faced by oncology patients in environments with limited access to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly in managing opportunistic fungal infections and immune-related complications.

My academic and clinical curiosity centers on the human mycobiotaâ€”the fungal component of the microbiomeâ€”and its emerging role in cancer development, progression, and treatment response. I am particularly intrigued by how fungal dysbiosis may influence the tumor microenvironment, modulate immune responses, and interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Given the increasing use of immunotherapies in oncology, understanding how fungi affect immune homeostasis and inflammation is critical, especially in immunocompromised patients. I am eager to explore how mycobiota profiling and fungal immunology can inform personalized cancer care, even in settings with limited resources.

My goal is to bridge clinical oncology with translational mycology and immunology, contributing to research and practice that can improve outcomes for cancer patients in Africa and other underserved regions

Dr. Dukundane Damas is a board-certified Medical Oncologist and Consultant Physician with over a decade of clinical experience in internal medicine and oncology, particularly within resource-limited settings such as Rwanda. He is currently undergoing advanced training in solid tumor oncology at Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels, Belgium, where he is focusing on cutting-edge diagnostics, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and precision oncology.

Dr. Damas has held key clinical and leadership roles at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, where he served as Head of the Internal Medicine Department and led multidisciplinary cancer care teams. He has also worked at the Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence and completed a prestigious fellowship in Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India.

His academic interests lie at the intersection of cancer, immunology, and fungal biology, with a growing focus on the role of the human mycobiota in cancer progression and treatment response. He is particularly passionate about translating emerging scientific insights into practical, cost-effective strategies for cancer care in low-resource environments.

Dr. Damas has co-authored over 13 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and is actively involved in global health initiatives, including antimicrobial stewardship and point-of-care ultrasound training. He holds a Certificate in Cancer Immunotherapy from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) and is fluent in English, French, and Kinyarwanda.

Daniel

lara

chemist

Commercial Organisation

1 December University of Alba Iulia

Brazil

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Sporothrix, Working with industry

yes

Yes ALL

Pharmacist

Aminn

Conteh

Community Pharmacist

Commercial Organisation

University of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

As an early-career clinical researcher and pharmacist, my research interests center on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through three key areas: antimicrobial stewardship, where I investigate strategies to optimize antimicrobial use and curb resistance in healthcare settings; epidemiology, where I track the spread and patterns of resistant infections across clinical and community environments; and the One Health approach, where I examine AMR at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.

Aminn Conteh is an early-career clinical researcher and dedicated pharmacist from Sierra Leone, driven by a passion to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As a professional from Sierra Leone, Aminn brings a unique perspective shaped by the healthcare needs and challenges of his home country, where infectious diseases and limited resources amplify the urgency of combating AMR.

Medical doctor

Yasmine

Kalboussi

MD assistant professor

Academia

Université de Monastir

Tunisia

I am particularly interested in the development of medical mycology in our laboratory, with a specific focus on the implementation of molecular biology techniques. The diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis remains inadequate in our setting due to the lack of galactomannan testing and Aspergillus-specific PCR. Similarly, the diagnosis of pneumocystosis is insufficient, as we still lack the ability to interpret DNA copy numbers to distinguish between colonization and true infection. The diagnosis of invasive candidiasis also needs improvement, particularly due to the unavailability of Î²-D-glucan testing in our department.

My name is Dr. Yasmine Kalboussi. I am a hospital-university assistant physician in clinical biology, specializing in parasitology and mycology. I currently work at Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse and am affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, Tunisia.

I am particularly interested in the application of molecular biology techniques in medical mycology. My goal is to contribute to the improvement of fungal diagnostics, especially for invasive infections, which remain underdiagnosed in many laboratories.

I completed a one-year training program in France, where I worked mainly on deep fungal infections. This experience allowed me to strengthen my practical skills and deepen my knowledge in advanced mycological diagnostics.

I am fluent in Arabic, French, and English.

Tukundane

Asmus

Researcher Lab Supervisor

Academia

Makerere University

Uganda

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test

My primary research interests focus on clinical and implementation research in infectious diseases, with a special emphasis on HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculous meningitis. I am particularly interested in improving laboratory quality management, protocol adherence, and sample collection processes in clinical trials to enhance patient outcomes and research integrity. Additionally, I explore the application of implementation science frameworks, such as the COM-B model, to optimize research workflows in resource-limited settings. I am also passionate about strengthening laboratory systems and building research capacity across sub-Saharan Africa.

Asmus Tukundane is a seasoned research laboratory supervisor at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, Uganda, with over 15 years of experience in biomedical science and clinical research. He specializes in meningitis clinical trials, particularly HIV-associated cryptococcal and tuberculous meningitis, and plays a pivotal role in laboratory protocol implementation, quality assurance, and personnel supervision.

Asmus holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory technology from Makerere University, along with a diploma and certificate in medical laboratory technology. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Research at James Lind Institute, Switzerland. He has also completed a postgraduate fellowship diploma in public and management leadership under a leadership course jointly offered by Franklin University and the American Embassy in Uganda. His ongoing research focuses on improving protocol adherence in clinical trials through the use of checklist tools, guided by the COM-B model of implementation science.

He has contributed to major international studies, including ENACT, AMBITION, HARVEST, and COAST, supporting GCLP-compliant laboratory operations and driving research excellence in resource-limited settings.

Raised in a rural Ugandan village, Asmus’s inspiring journey—from walking barefoot to school to leading research at a premier institute—reflects his resilience and commitment. He is passionate about strengthening laboratory systems and welcomes collaborations that advance diagnostics, trial quality, and capacity building across sub-Saharan Africa.

Publications

Tukundane, A., Kwizera, R., Tugume, L., Ellis, J., Boulware, D. R., & Meya, D. B. (2025). The diagnostic role of elevated serum cryptococcal antigen titers in patients with suspected cryptococcal meningitis when lumbar puncture is contraindicated: A case report.Â Medical mycology case reports,Â 48, 100700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mmcr.2025.100700

Ellis, J., Dai, B., Kabahubya, M., Hale, G., Mande, E., Katende, G., Kagimu, E., Gakuru, J., Ndyetukira, J. F., Tukundane, A., Adzemovic, T., Nsangi, L. J., Jarvis, J. N., Bahr, N. C., Cresswell, F. V., Meya, D. B., & Boulware, D. R. (2025). Diagnostic accuracy of the re-engineered urinary FujiLAM2 assay amongst hospitalized adults with advanced HIV disease: a prospective cohort study. AIDS (London, England), 10.1097/QAD.0000000000004213. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000004213

Kimuda, S., Kwizera, R., Dai, B., Kigozi, E., Kasozi, D., Rutakingirwa, M. K., Tukundane, A., Shifah, N., Luggya, T., Luswata, A., Ndyetukira, J. F., Yueh, S. L., Mulwana, S., Wele, A., Bahr, N. C., Meya, D. B., Boulware, D. R., & Skipper, C. P. (2025). Comparison of Early Fungicidal Activity and Mortality Between Daily Liposomal Amphotericin B and Daily Amphotericin B Deoxycholate for Cryptococcal Meningitis. Clinical infectious diseases: an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America,Â 80(1), 153â€“159. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciae326

Ellis, J., Nsangi, L., Bangdiwala, A., Hale, G., Gakuru, J., Kagimu, E., Mugabi, T., Kigozi, E., Tukundane, A., Okirwoth, M., Kandole, T. K., Cresswel, F., Harrison, T. S., Moore, D., Fielding, K., Meya, D., Boulware, D., & Jarvis, J. N. (2024). Integrated management of cryptococcal meningitis and concurrent opportunistic infections to improve outcomes in advanced HIV disease: a randomised strategy trial. Wellcome open research,Â 9, 14. https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19324.2

Hamed

Chouaieb

Assistant professor

Academia

Université du Centre, Sousse

Tunisia

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education

I’m interested in medical parasitology and mycology including epidemiology, risk factors, transmission, diagnosis and treatment of many parasitological and mycological diseases such as : Aspergillosis, candidiasis, dermatomycosis, mucormycosis etc.

I am a medical doctor and mycologist with a focus on fungal diseases of clinical importance, particularly in immunocompromised and vulnerable populations. My areas of expertise include opportunistic mycoses such as aspergillosis, mucormycosis, pneumocystosis, as well as dermatophytosis and other superficial mycoses. I am actively involved in clinical management, diagnostics, and research related to invasive and emerging fungal infections.

My work integrates laboratory-based mycology with clinical care, with a special interest in antifungal resistance, early diagnosis, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based treatment protocols. I also contribute to public health strategies for fungal disease surveillance and capacity-building in medical mycology.

I welcome collaboration with FAILSAFE members on research, clinical trials, and public health initiatives aimed at tackling the growing burden of fungal infections.

The-Anh

Phan

Pathologist

Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Vietnam

Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Immunotherapies

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anhphan007-pathology21/

Ousman

Secka

Head of Laboratory Management

Industry

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Gambia

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Vaccine development

My research interests include respiratory pathogens, tuberculosis, and enteric infections. I have extensive experience in pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine trials, and have also contributed to studies on TB, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and related public health challenges

My research portfolio is very wide and spans over three decades starting with Respiratory Tract Infections and vaccine efficacy trials particularly on H. influenzae tybe B and S. pneumoniae. I have worked on H. pylori with interest in phylogenesis, Antibiotic resistance and gene virulence; zoonotic diseases such as Brucellosis, Q fever and Leptospirosis in humans and small ruminants. Currently I am involved in studies such as TBSequel to understand the host inflammatory response causing sequelae in TB patients; PRECISE study looking at placental disorders and associated risk factors; PregnanZi study which looks at risks and benefits of prophylactic intra-partum azithromycin.In addition, I am a co-investigator in the EFGH consortium looking at Enterics specifically Shigella I am also part of the Global Research on AntiMicrobial (GRAM) Resistance collaborative group which aims to provide comprehensive and timely evidence of the burden of AMR globally.

Triciana

Silva

Technologist

Academia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

AI/new tools, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education

https://cenabio.ufrj.br/

https://cenabio.ufrj.br/home/o-cenabio/conhecendo-a-uipa/infraestrutura-da-uipa/citometria-de-fluxo-e-cell-sorting/

https://cenabio.ufrj.br/home/o-cenabio/conhecendo-a-uipa/infraestrutura-da-uipa/citometria-de-fluxo-e-cell-sorting/

http://lattes.cnpq.br/2609020404268935

Bq.

Estefania

Marino

Medical laboratory scientist

Academia

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador

Ecuador

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

– Infections in oncologic patients

– Oportunistic infections

-Aspergillosis

– Histoplasmosis

– Cryptococosis

Clinical Biochemist specializing in clinical microbiology, adept at working under pressure and collaboratively in a team. I am characterized by my empathy, responsibility, proactivity, strong service vocation, integrity, and ethics. I am a professional passionate about laboratory work, teaching, and research, continuously seeking professional development and ongoing learning.

Dr.

Freddy

Perez

Advisor Research Communicable Diseases

Academia

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

United States

Antifungal use, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

Operation and Implementation Research on HIV-related opportunistic infections including fungal diseases.

Introduction of rapid tests for fungal diseases, access to fungal treatment in Latin America in coordination with Ministries of Health in Latin America

Regional Advisor for Communicable Diseases Research at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) within the Communicable Disease Prevention, Control and Elimination Department in Washington, D.C., USA since 2017. Previously, (2010 – 2017), worked as a Technical Advisor for the HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and STI Unit at PAHO. Associate Professor at the Federal University of Health Science, Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil and the School of Public Health, Institute of Public Health, Epidemiology and Development“ University of Bordeaux, France. Author of over 80 + scientific articles and four book chapters (ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2001-0057)

Served as Program Officer and Principal Investigator for numerous research projects addressing major global health challenges in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe

Medical Degree from the Central University of Quito, Ecuador, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Health and Tropical Medicine from the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp, Belgium, a Diploma in Epidemiology, and a master’s degree in international health and Infectious Diseases from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

JOANAH

MDLULI

MICROBIOLOGIST

Commercial Organisation

Lancet laboratories

South Africa

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix

I have a keen interest in broadening my knowledge regarding medically relevant yeast s and fungi. Especially where I work , there is a dearth of specialist focusing on mycology. I am currently finding and honing my niche both in my company and in my new role as a associate microbiology and mycology is my chosen subject.

Previous works have focused on bacteriology – particularly Streptococcus pyogenes , HIV and TB.

We are seeing a rapidly evolving epidemiology in our communities – our neonatal units are being capacitated to admit smaller babies with longer stays, our oncology and transplant population is also expanding. We also suffer with a large immunocompromised population secondary to Human Immunodeficiency Virus .In spite of having the biggest Highly Active Retroviral Program globally we still appreciate prolonged and repeated hospitalizations and end stage disease in these persons where mycological diseases thrive. Coupled to this, we have resource strain with regards to diagnostics and therapeutics

Our country could benefit from clinicians pushing the mycology agenda . There is a massive gap with regards diagnosing and appropriately using antifungals for prophylaxis or treatment. Fluconazole, the most widely used antifungal in our setting is one of the most under dosed drugs. This knowledge gap is not only a problem on the ground but there are few dedicated mycology experts in our country and this work is usually deferred to us general microbiologist where expertise is biased toward bacteriology. Especially once one has existed from an academic institutions there is little ongoing training and opportunity to train in mycology and this is in contrast to the exposure on the field.

Mariscal Brice

TCHATAT TALI

Postdoctoral Scientist

Academia

University of Yaounde 1

Cameroon

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

As a highly trained and experienced biochemist, my research interest primarily lies in small-molecule drug discovery, particularly in the context of malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). I am uniquely positioned in this field, being one of the few individuals worldwide capable of robustly producing and maintaining viable asexual blood-stage malaria parasites and gametocytes through in vitro cell culture techniques. My recent work has involved profiling a diverse array of known and novel chemical compounds, allowing me to identify promising starting points for drug discovery while gaining insights into their mechanisms of action. My approach integrates strong hands-on skills in drug-drug interaction studies, including the parasite reduction ratio (PRR) and in vitro resistance selection studies. This expertise is essential to support national and international drug discovery programs effectively. Additionally, I possess extensive hands-on experience with flow cytometry (BD FASCanto II) for high-throughput analysis and screening of drug candidates. I continually optimize assay conditions and employ data analysis tools like FlowJo V10.10.0 to analyse and interpret results effectively.

Currently, I am leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)-assisted tools combined with LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics to accelerate the discovery and progression of new chemotypes. My ability to integrate parasite stage specificity with metabolomic profiling enhances the understanding of pharmacodynamics and the basis of drug resistance. This knowledge enables me to predict and design strategies to mitigate the development and spread of resistance in clinical practice.

My strong problem-solving and data analysis skills complement my experience in operating advanced equipment, training others, and delivering presentations. Furthermore, I have a proven track record in supervising and managing skilled project teams, ensuring efficient and impactful research outcomes. Currently, I actively apply this combined knowledge and technical expertise in the malaria drug discovery programs that I manage.

I am an early-career postdoctoral researcher at the Antimicrobial and Biocontrol Agents Unit, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon, specializing in malaria biology, pre-clinical drug discovery, and neglected tropical diseases. With a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Yaoundé I, I have developed and validated innovative biological assays for antimalarial drug screening and have been instrumental in establishing the first malaria drug discovery platform at the University of Yaoundé I, now utilized by researchers across Africa and beyond. My research focuses on unravelling parasite biology, identifying novel drug targets, and combating drug-resistant malaria strains using both advanced laboratory techniques and AI/ML-assisted computational models. My work has resulted in several peer-reviewed publications on antiplasmodial activity and natural product drug discovery. I am passionate about translating scientific discoveries into impactful solutions for global health and actively collaborate on multidisciplinary projects aimed at advancing infectious disease research and drug discovery.

Dr.

José Wandilson

Barboza Duarte Júnior

Post-doctorate

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Omics, Sporothrix, Vaccine development

I am a brazilian research with expertise in molecular and structural biology and bioinformatics tools. I have doing my post-dosctorate at the University of SÃ£o Paulo, Brazil in Micology lab with development of vaccines for sporothix brasiliensis.

CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/0287675561067662

José Wandilson Barboza Duarte Júnior is a 29-year-old single Brazilian researcher with a strong background and experience in virology, microbiology, and biomedicine. He holds a PhD in Pathogen-Host Relationship Biology from the University of São Paulo (USP) and a Master’s in Virology from Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC). Additionally, he has a specialization in Microbiology from Escola Superior da Amazônia (ESAMAZ) and a Bachelor’s in Biomedicine from Faculdade Integrada Brasil Amazônia (FIBRA). Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher at the Mycology Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USP, where he works on the development of vaccines against Sporothrix. His professional experience includes research on enteric viruses in animals, conducting molecular biology and bioinformatics activities in a Biosafety Level 3 (NB-3) laboratory from 2015 to 2020. He also participated in drug discovery activities for SARS-CoV-2, performing molecular biology, cloning, cell biology, and bioinformatics from 2020-2021. More recently, between 2021 and 2024, he developed studies on parasitic and viral immunology, conducting in vivo, in vitro, and in silico analyses. José Wandilson possesses various technical skills, including:
Molecular Biology: PCRs (multiplex, Real-time, conventional, Nested), western blotting, dot blotting, nucleic acid extraction (silica in house, TriZol, kit, automated extraction), electrophoresis, ELISA, Sanger sequencing, proteomics, cloning, protein expression, and vaccine development.
Bioinformatics: primer design, nucleotide sequence analysis, phylogenetics, protein structure modeling, and neutralizing epitope prediction.
Animal Models and Cell Biology: manipulation of experimental animal models, bioluminescence analysis, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, immortalized cell line culture, transfection, viral isolation, virus titration (PFU and TCID50), and viral neutralization assays.
CV: http://lattes.cnpq.br/0287675561067662

Miss

Zothile

Skosana

Medical scientist

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on the molecular epidemiology of Cryptococcus species, as well as investigations into their metabolic pathways and how these influence virulence and pathogenesis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals with comorbidities beyond HIV.

I am dedicated PhD candidate at the University of the Free
State, specializing in Cryptococcus neoformans genomics, transcriptomics, and virulence
studies. My academic journey began with a solid foundation in Microbiology and
Biochemistry, fields I passionately embraced during my undergraduate studies. It was during
my second year that I discovered my profound interest in microbiology, which led me to
pursue an Honours degree in Biotechnology. My Honours research focused on the
production of biosurfactants by various Bacillus strains, further igniting my passion for
microbiological research.
Following my Honours degree, I ventured into the realm of Medical Microbiology. My
research in this domain concentrated on pneumococcal carriage in infants and children in
Soweto, South Africa, post-vaccination. This work was pivotal, culminating in a publication in
a respected local South African journal. This achievement not only solidified my commitment
to research but also highlighted the impact of my work on public health.
Throughout my journey, I encountered numerous challenges, yet these obstacles only fueled
my determination to succeed. One significant milestone was my internship, which allowed
me to register as an independent Biological Medical Scientist with the Health Professionals
Council of South Africa. It was during this internship that I developed a keen interest in
Mycology, ultimately steering me towards my current PhD research.
Under the supervision of Professor Sebolai, a distinguished expert in Cryptococcus research
at the University of the Free State, Through the PhD, I plan to hone my skills and deepen my
knowledge in fungal genomics, transcriptomics and Cryptococcus virulence studies.
Professor Sebolai’s expertise and guidance continue to be instrumental in shaping my
academic and research trajectory. My long-term aspiration is to lead a dynamic research group, collaborating with esteemed colleagues and mentoring the next generation of scientists. My focus will be on advancing fungal research, particularly in the areas of
fungal genomics and Cryptococcus virulence studies, to address critical health challenges.
To develop this ambition, I recognize the necessity of comprehensive training, diverse
exposure, and robust mentorship. I am committed to continuously expanding my expertise
and staying abreast of the latest advancements in my field. My journey thus far has been
marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering passion for scientific discovery.
I am eager to connect with experienced mentors who can provide the guidance and support
necessary to achieve my career goals. I am confident that with the right mentorship, I can
contribute significantly to the field of mycology and make a meaningful impact on public
health through innovative research.
In summary, my career ambition is driven by a passion for microbiology, a dedication to
advancing scientific knowledge, and a commitment to addressing pressing health issues
through research.

Boobalan

Jayaseelan

Assistant Professor

Academia

Y.R.Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education (YRGCARE)

India

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

My current research interests center on the intricate dynamics of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections, with a particular focus on how sequential or simultaneous infections with multiple HIV strains influence disease progression, immune responses, treatment outcomes, and the comparative analysis of HIV-1 and HIV-2 latency and viral reservoirs. In parallel, I am actively investigating the genomics of bacterial and fungal infections to identify genetic determinants of pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance, and host-pathogen interactions. By examining the interplay between HIV superinfection and the genomic profiles of co-infecting bacterial and fungal pathogens, my research aims to generate novel insights into co-infection biology, guide the development of effective therapeutic strategies, and contribute to precision medicine approaches for immunocompromised individuals.

Dr. Jayaseelan Boobalan is an early career researcher who is currently working as an Assistant Professor, in the Molecular Biology division of the Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research & Education (YRGCARE), in the field of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis viruses for the last 10 years under the guidance of Dr. S. Saravanan. He is associated with various ACTG/NIH supported studies related to different spaces of HIV and Hepatotropic infections and its drug resistance. Dr Boobalan’s key areas of research involve the molecular characterization of HIV, HBV, and HCV and its quantification for treatment monitoring, validation of cost-effective pooling HBV DNA PCR for detecting occult HBV among HIV-1-infected drug naive individuals in southern India, the prevalence of virological failure among HIV-infected patients on first-line ARV therapy; and validation combined Pooling NAT+DR assay for the monitoring of patients with HIV and validation of DBS for the quantification of HCV and drug resistance. Though ART suppresses the viral load remarkably, it must be taken lifelong on a daily basis, necessitating the need for prospective studies for HIV eradication. Dr Boobalan’s current work focuses on care and support for patients with HIV in India. His personal interest and motivation is the cure research area to save the lives of the people that are suffering from this hazardous disease.

JHON JHAMILTON

ARTUNDUAGA BONILLA

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH

Academia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5247-4385

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jhon-Artunduaga-Bonilla

I hold a degree in Bacteriology and Clinical Laboratory from the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia (2011), and earned a master’s in Basic Biomedical Sciences at the same institution (2014). I completed my PhD in Microbiology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2020), including a sandwich doctorate at Stony Brook University, NY (2019-2020). My expertise spans microbiology, molecular biology and nanobiotechnology, with a focus on designing and evaluating novel antimicrobial agents.
As an educator, I taught Food Microbiology and Industrial Microbiology in the Nutrition and Dietetics and Microbiology programs at the Industrial University of Santander (2012-2014), and later lectured in pharmacology and microbiology for a dermatology specialization at the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga (2015). In research, I evaluated commercial biocidal formulations against phytopathogenic fungi (2015) and have led projects on the synthesis and in vitro/in vivo assessment of new antimicrobial compounds (2012-present). My international training and multidisciplinary background equip me to contribute effectively to collaborative efforts in antifungal discovery, nanobiotechnology applications and translational microbiology.

Miss

Yvonne

Man

Medical Technologist

Hong Kong Children’s Hospital

Hong Kong

AI/new tools, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops

I am working in flow cytometry unit, mainly focus on leukaemia diagnosis and minimal residual disease monitoring.

I am looking for flow cytometry related knowledge and future advancement.

Ridwan

Md Ridone

Ahmed

Researcher

Noakhali University of Science and Technology

Bangladesh

Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms

My research interests include cancer, metagenomics, infectious diseases, understanding the association between the human gut microbiome and various diseases, and various NGS data analysis. I have done my M.Sc. Thesis on Breast Cancer. I have been learning statistical analysis, programming (in R, Python, ,and Bash), and bioinformatics methods to understand the behavior of tumors, the human microbiome, genes, and proteins, in order to identify specific therapies and minimize long-term side effects.

I have completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biotechnology and genetic Engineering from Noakhali Science &Technology University, Bangladesh. I have done my master’s thesis on gene expression analysis of female Breast Cancer using Real-Time PCR and Bioinformatics approaches at the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) and at the same time I also worked as a “Research Associate” at NIB for this project- Identification and characterization of economically valuable alpine flora of Bangladesh by Sanger Sequencing. These two study is not completed yet and still working on these two studies. Then I joined as a full-time “Research Assistant” at the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The research topic was to search for any association between the gut microbiome and Colorectal Cancer by 16s rRNA NGS analysis. I worked there for 1 year and I am still involved with this study.

âœ…My Website: https://rahmedinfo.github.io/

Sunday

Oyibo

Graduate assistant

Academia

State University of Medical and Applied Sciences Enugu, Nigeria

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Vaccine development, Working with industry

My research interest lies in exploring the applications of biotechnology in improving food quality and safety. I am particularly interested in investigating the potential of genetic engineering and gene editing technologies to enhance the nutritional content and shelf life of staple crops. Additionally, I aim to examine the regulatory frameworks and policies governing the use of biotechnology in food production and quality control. Through this research, I hope to contribute to the development of sustainable and innovative solutions for ensuring global food security and safety.

My name is Oyibo, Sunday Ikechukwu. I am a dedicated Graduate Assistant at the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-eno Enugu State, Nigeria. With a strong academic foundation in biotechnology, I have developed a keen interest in exploring the applications of biotechnology in improving food quality and safety.

Academic Background

I hold a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where I developed a passion for biotechnology and its potential to address pressing global challenges.

Professional Experience

As a Graduate Assistant, I am committed to supporting academic programs and research initiatives in biotechnology. My experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the field and a desire to contribute to its advancement.

Research Interests

My research interest lie in the applications of biotechnology in food quality and safety. I am particularly interested in investigating innovative solutions for improving crop yields, nutritional content, and shelf life.

Goals

I aim to make a meaningful contribution to the field of biotechnology, advancing our understanding of its potential to address global challenges and improve human lives. Through my research and academic pursuits, I strive to inspire and educate the next generation of biotechnology professionals.

Dr.

Diego

Falci

Physician

Academia

Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre

Brazil

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

My research interests focus on systemic fungal infections, encompassing both endemic and opportunistic forms. I investigate their epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches, with an emphasis on improving clinical management and public health outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised populations in Latin America.

Diego R. Falci is a distinguished infectious diseases specialist based in Porto Alegre, Brazil. With an MD, MSc, and PhD, he serves as a professor and clinician at institutions like Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre / Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul). His research focuses on systemic fungal infections, investigating their epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies, particularly in immunocompromised populations across Latin America. Dr. Falci’s work emphasizes improving clinical management and public health outcomes, with notable publications such as Clinical Mycology in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Snapshot of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capabilities. An active contributor to academic and clinical networks, he has presented at numerous conferences and holds leadership roles in medical education. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and proficient in Spanish, Dr. Falci excels in scientific communication and research leadership. His expertise extends to antimicrobial resistance, where he advocates for rational use and sustainable practices. Committed to advancing healthcare, he engages in multidisciplinary initiatives, including public health policy, aligning his work with global health priorities. Dr. Falci’s contributions continue to shape infectious disease management and medical education in Brazil and beyond.blic health policy, aligning his work with global health priorities. Dr. Falciâ€™s contributions continue to shape infectious disease management and medical education in Brazil and beyond.

Miss

Joni

Müller

Student

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My research interests lie at the intersection of medical mycology, molecular biology, and antimicrobial resistance. I am particularly interested in exploring innovative genetic tools to understand fungal pathogenesis, resistance mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets in emerging pathogens such as C. auris. I am also eager to expand my knowledge of fungal diagnostics and identification, especially in the context of clinical relevance in Africa. As a Biochemistry Honours student at the University of the Free State, I am currently working on CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in Candida auris as part of a pathogenic yeast research group.

I’m Joni Muller, a Biochemistry Honours student at the University of the Free State in South Africa. I’m currently part of the Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, where I’m working on a project focused on developing a non-conventional CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system for Candida auris. This work explores an integrated approach to genome editing without plasmids, with the goal of understanding the molecular mechanisms behind fungal pathogenesis and antifungal resistance. My research interests lie at the intersection of medical mycology, molecular biology, and antimicrobial resistance. I’m particularly passionate about using innovative genetic tools to study emerging fungal pathogens of clinical relevance. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in this field and expand my experience in fungal diagnostics and molecular techniques. I’m excited to connect with fellow researchers and potential collaborators through the FAILSAFE network to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to medical mycology in Africa.

Temitope

Obadare

Consultant medical microbiologist

Academia

Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research interest lies in the Global Health and Public Microbiology Laboratory especially diagnostics of fungi in infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance.

1. Google Scholar Citation: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=4O8ilA0AAAAJ&hl=en

2. ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Temitope-Obadare

I am a clinical microbiologist and public health practitioner with over 14 years of experience in medical practice. I am actively involved in the management of various infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, clinical audits and surveillance of multidrug resistance pathogens at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

While fungi diseases have become a public health issue with accompaning morbidity and mortality worldwide, there is still a lack of awareness and funding for fungi treatment. The impact of fungi infections is greater in tropical countries because of the climatic conditions and with climate change, temperate countries may also experience a surge in fungi infections. This calls for a concerted global effort at mitigating fungi diseases and hence my interest in mycology and FAILSAFE Medical Mycology Network.

My previous experiences with mycology were from treating candidemia, cornea infection due to fungi and tuberculosis-aspergillosis co-infection. I have published articles on these experiences in reputable scientific journals and presented at international conferences. Given the recent increased occurrence of mycotic infections complicating clinical illness, manifestation and treatment, I am motivated to upscale my skills in mycotic diagnostics and therapy. I am interested in keratomycosis, Aspergillus spp infection and candidemia especially among immunocompromised patients. The lack of awareness of fungi diseases and diagnostic capacity in clinical practice in my resource-constrained settings, I am open to collaboration on fungi awareness interventions, fungi diagnostics, antifungal therapeutics and antifungal resistance surveillance.

Adewale

Olalere

Lecturer

Academia

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Nigeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Outreach

To focus on identification, pathogenesis and antifungal resistance of fungal. I am particularly interested in Host-Pathogen interaction, emerging infectious diseases and development of novel diagnostic methods in order to improve outcomes and infectious control.

I am an active and dynamic early-career microbiologist with over ten yearsâ€™ experience in the field of research (with keen interest in medical microbiology and infectious diseases; environmental and social sciences; manufacturing and sales) and teachings in public and private sectors. Recently completed my postgraduate studies (in 2024) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, where my research focused on Investigation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Colonization in Dogs and Humans in Ilorin and Osogbo, Nigeria: Public Health Implications.

I am a passionate researcher and team player who has joined in various peer-reviewed articles and published in reputable microbiology journals such as the West African Journal of Medicine and American Journal of Infectious Diseases on MRSA Awareness and Carriage among Healthcare Workers, contributing to the dynamics of transmission, understanding of antibiotic susceptibility profiles and burdens of resistance of mechanisms of MRSA.

I possess an exceptionally strong analytical mind and mastery of advanced modern laboratory techniques. I interact with colleagues and mentors with maturity and empathy. I am proficient in the English language for writing and communication, as well as possessing the computer analytical skills required for duties and research.

I am particularly interested in exploring novel approaches to infection prevention, the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections, and the development of low-cost diagnostic tools for resource-limited settings.

I am eager to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to address global health challenges related to infectious diseases.

Dr.

Mojtaba

Porbahaie

Researcher

Academia

Wageningen University

Netherlands

Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology

My research is mainly focused on the improvement of (human) immune response to (respiratory) infections and allergies using immunomodulation by dietary components.

I am a mucosal immunologist interested in immunomodulation by food/feed to improve the immune response to infections and allergies. I also work on method development and assay optimization to assess immune responses.

Mr.

Tyler

Prentiss

Senior Program Manager

Academia

Henry Ford Health

United States

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Hospital-based antimicrobial resistance and stewardship programs, including pharmacist-led post-prescription review and feedback studies

Education and training of nurses, midwives, and pharmacists in AMR

https://www.henryford.com/global-health-initiative

https://www.henryford.com/global-health-initiative/what-we-do

Henry Ford Health (HFH) has worked in antimicrobial resistance programs in LMIC since 2013. We maintain study hubs in Colombia, Jordan, and Nepal and collaborate with other collaborators in and across those regions to facilitate knowledge uptake and exchange, and cross-cultural research programs. Previous programs have also been in the intersection of vaccines & AMR. Based on interest from our partners in LMIC, we are interested in establishing research into antifungal resistance and are interested in learning from the network on research projects and programs globally.

Samuel

Adebudo

Laboratory Physician

Ambrose Alli University, University of Benin

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Histoplasma, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Antimicrobial resistance, Medical Mycology, Molecular Diagnostics, and Epidemiological surveillance

Dr. Samuel Osighena Adebudo is a Senior Registrar in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. He is a clinician, laboratorian, researcher, and public health expert with experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. Dr. Adebudo earned his MBBS from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and holds a Part 1 Fellowship in Medical Microbiology from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialisation in Epidemiology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

His research interests span antimicrobial resistance, medical mycology, molecular diagnostics, and epidemiological surveillance. He has co-authored several scientific publications and participated in national and international workshops, including hands-on training in molecular techniques and fungal disease surveillance. He is also actively involved in mentoring junior doctors and training medical students.

Dr. Adebudo is a member of several professional bodies, including the American Society of Microbiology and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Outside of work, he is married to a practising medical doctor, and together they are blessed with a beautiful daughter. He is passionate about faith, family, and building healthier communities through science and service.

Abhishek

Das

Associate Professor in Infection

University College London, University of London

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus

https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/86628-abhishek-das

I am a 50:50 clinician scientist and I co-run a mycology clinic at UCLH.

I am a 50:50 clinician scientist working between UCL and UCL Hospital. My lab is interested in understanding how the immune system becomes perturbed during bacterial, viral and fungal infections in children and adults. This is with a view to identifying pathways that could be targeted for future immune therapies to improve patient outcomes. My lab also work on development of host diagnostics which seek to diagnose infection in neonates with greater accuracy.

Deborah

Kamanga

Biomedical Scientist

Academia

Public Health Institute of Malawi Public Health Institute of Malawi

Malawi

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

My main research interests lie in medical mycology, with a focus on antifungal resistance mechanisms in Candida albicans, especially mutations in the ERG11 gene associated with fluconazole resistance. I am currently investigating the genomic and phenotypic characterization of clinical Candida albicans isolates from Malawi, particularly at the Public Health Institute of Malawi, using Sanger sequencing, antifungal susceptibility testing. I am also interested in the secondary metabolites of fungi and their potential use in antifungal drug discovery.

I aim to pursue further studies in Antifungal Susceptibility Testing to understand resistant patterns n resistant fungal strains under antifungal pressure.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kamanga-60869a254?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

I am a passionate public health professional with a background in biomedical sciences. I graduated with an Upper Second Class from Mzuzu University and hold a Certificate in Global Health from the National Taiwan University.

As President of the Mzuzu University Biomedical Sciences Students Association, I led several initiatives, including a national symposium on COVID-19, Cholera, and Polio outbreaks in collaboration with health officials from the Expanded Program on Immunization and the District Health Office.

Currently, I support national disease surveillance efforts at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, including Monkeypox and Cholera surveillance in over 20 districts, targeting more than 10 million people. I also lead antimicrobial stewardship efforts in over 25 hospitals, focusing on antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

In addition, I conduct research on Candida albicans fluconazole resistance, investigating ERG11 gene mutations using molecular techniques such as Sanger sequencing and antifungal susceptibility testing.

I am also the founder of the Luwinga Secondary School Reproductive Health Outreach, launched in 2022, which supports over 300 students with sanitary pads, stationery, and mobile health servicesâ€”reaching more than 10,000 community members.

My goal is to collaborate with government, NGOs, and global partners to implement sustainable health interventions in antimicrobial resistance, fungal infections, outbreaks, WASH, and health systems in Malawi.

Olawale

Salami

Head, clinical trials unit

Institute of Global Health Equity Research

Rwanda

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

From 14th July 2025, will be leading a team of clinical trialists in Kigali, where we will conduct Ph2/3 trials on novel antifungal therapies. My research interest is in the design and conduct of randomised controlled trials of novel therapeutics and vaccines that address critical health needs of Africans, including antimycotic agents. Prior to my new role, i worked with Drugs for neglected diseases initiative, evaluating PK and efficacy of Fosraviconazole in patients ith Mycetoma.

Worked in research and developing new therapies for the last 14 years. In my current role,, based in Rwanda, I lead a team of research physicians in designing and conducting clinical trials to answer critical questions of safety, pharmacokinetics, and activity of novel therapeutic and vaccine candidates addressing diseases that are of critical interest to African populatiuons
Before that, I worked as medical director in a Biotech company in Belgium ( Exevir Bio), overseeing the clinical development of a novel nanobody-based monoclonal antibody therapeutic targeting a unique preserved SARSCOV-2 spike protein region. Before that, I worked for five years in various global clinical research roles in Geneva, first with Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, DNDI, and subsequently with the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, FIND), which led to the revision of 2 WHO treatment guidelines ( {Pediatric HIV and diagnostics-driven management of pediatric acute febrile illnesses). 28 peer-reviewed publications in top academic journals, with 450 citations.

Miss

Kay

Pile

PhD Student in Medical Physics

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Combination therapies

General use of flow cytometry to validate cancer cell response post-irradiation.

PhD student in Medical Physics – Looking at the use of gold nanoparticles to augment radiation therapy.

Professor

Karen

Ferreira

Academia

Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Brazil

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Other spp., Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am a researcher at the Federal University of SÃ£o Paulo (UNIFESP) whose primary mycology interests lie at the intersection of fungal biology and host immune responses. My key focus areas include: Extracellular Vesicles in Fungal Pathogenesis – Investigates vesicles released by pathogens like Sporothrix brasiliensis and their interaction with immune cells (e.g. dendritic cells and macrophages), showing how fungal vesicles modulate host defenses. In sum, my focus is study how fungi secrete extracellular vesicles and virulence molecules that alter the host’s innate immune responseâ€”particularly impacting dendritic cells and macrophages through TLR-driven cytokine signaling in diseases like sporotrichosis. We have been working to advance our understanding of fungal-host immune interactions, especially mechanisms by which fungal secretions manipulate immunityâ€”a crucial step toward novel diagnostics or therapeutics. https://www.ksfungi.com

Prof. Dr. Karen Spadari Ferreira (Biomedical Sciences, USP–2002; M.Sc. & Ph.D., USP–2004/2007) is an associate professor at UNIFESP, with a strong academic and administrative background. Her research focuses on extracellular vesicles from fungi and dendritic cells, exploring immunomodulatory mechanisms associated with fungal infections. She has made significant contributions to the scientific literature and plays an important institutional role, including leadership in international relations. https://www.ksfungi.com

Professor

WAGNER

Batista

professor

Academia

Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp)

Brazil

Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Omics, Other spp., Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on understanding the cellular and molecular responses of pathogenic fungi, particularly Paracoccidioides spp. and Sporothrix brasiliensis, to host-induced stress conditions. This includes the study of cell signaling pathways, post-translational modifications, gene and protein expression, and cell wall remodeling under stresses such as hypoxia, oxidative and nitrosative stress, pH variation, and nutrient limitation. By integrating molecular biology, biochemistry, and proteomics approaches, my work aims to elucidate host-pathogen interactions and identify novel therapeutic targets for systemic fungal infections.

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema campus. I hold a Ph.D. in Sciences from the University of São Paulo(USP) and have extensive experience in Microbiology, with a focus on the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of pathogenic microorganisms. My main research interests involve the study of cell signaling, oxidative stress, and virulence mechanisms in thermodimorphic fungi such as Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Sporothrix brasiliensis. I also work on identifying potential therapeutic targets and characterizing cell wall proteins and extracellular vesicles under host-induced stress conditions. I lead projects that integrate proteomics, systems biology, and functional studies to investigate fungal responses to various environmental stresses, with an emphasis on host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion. I am a CNPq Research Productivity Fellow (Level 1D) and currently serve as Vice-Director of the Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UNIFESP.

PhD student

Rebeca

Bonfim

Graduate Student

Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp)

Brazil

Antigen, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Omics, Other spp., Vaccine development

https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/pesquisador/702410/rebeca-jacinto-bonfim/

Biotechnology, using molecular biology techniques and bacterial and yeast cultivation (2023 and 2024) at SynBD. She is currently developing her Direct Doctorate in Pathophysiology and Toxicology at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USP. (Source: Lattes Curriculum)

http://lattes.cnpq.br/2714054093007095

She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in 2022 and her Licentiate degree in 2023 in Biological Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). During her studies, she developed two Scientific Initiation projects through FAPESP. After graduation, she worked as a scholarship holder in Technical Training level III in the area of â€‹â€‹Biotechnology, using molecular biology techniques and bacterial and yeast cultivation (2023 and 2024) at SynBD. She is currently developing her Direct Doctorate in Pathophysiology and Toxicology at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USP. (Source: Lattes Curriculum)

Taha

Alaradi

Hematologist

Academia

Greenwich University

Bahrain

Diagnostics

Lymphoma

Leukemia

Hematologist at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) in Bahrain, with a special interest in lymphoid malignancies and the application of flow cytometry in hematologic diagnostics. My work is dedicated to improving the diagnostic accuracy and clinical understanding of lymphomas through advanced laboratory techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Jamie

Harrison

Independent research fellow in medical mycology and bioinformatics

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

I am very interested in the comparative genomics of fungal pathogens. How genomic features influence the pathogenicity, virulence and other phenotypic traits of fungal pathogens.

Also using population scale genetics datasets to investigate how human genetic variants influence predisposition to fungal disease.

Please contact me to discuss bioinformatics analysis of fungal pathogens. Open to collaborations and very keen to work with CMM LATAM.

Carlos

Taborda

Full Professor

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunotherapies, Other spp., Sporothrix, Vaccine development

Vaccine and monoclonal antibodies for fungal control

Undergraduated in Biomedical Sciences (1988), Master’s degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the Federal University of São Paulo (1992), PhD in Sciences with emphasis in Microbiology and Immunology from the Federal University of São Paulo (1998) and Post-doctorate in Immunology of fungal infectioni by Yeshiva University of Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2002). Degree in Teaching obtained in 2008 by the University of São Paulo. Currently a Full Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences – Department of Microbiology of the University of São Paulo and associate researcher of the Medical Mycology Laboratory of the Tropical Medicine Institute / Department of Dermatology/School of Medicine/USP. Has experience in Microbiology and Immunology, focusing on Medical Mycology, Host Pathogen Relationship; acting mainly in the study of systemic and emerging mycoses. Member of CMM-LATAM committe.

Alasana

Bah

Higher Scientific Officer

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Gambia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Sporothrix

Describing the resistance patterns of candida to antifungals in the Gambia for the formulation of effective combination empirical treatments guidelines against suspected candidiasis infection.

Interested to look for antifungals from traditionals herbs which are locally used to treat fungal infections in the community.

An experienced Medical Microbiologist with a master’s degree in medical microbiology and BSc (Hons) in Microbiology from the University of Manchester UK. Over 20 years of laboratory research experience at the Medical Research Council (MRC) unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Research background on antimicrobial drug discovery during my MSc project, which focused on: Identification, purification, and characterization of novel antimicrobial peptides from environmental bacteria against clinical resistant bacterial strains. The research discovered a potent antimicrobial peptide produced from an environmental bacterium: Bacillus mojavensis, that acted against Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumonia. I am interested in antimicrobial resistance research to fight against AMR infections, one of the world’s most urgent medical problems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Passionate about pushing the boundaries of microbiological research with genomic science to revolutionize healthcare in Africa and contribute to the identification of novel antimicrobials/vaccines against AMR infections. My current project is trying to determine the prevalence of genetic elements associated with potential vaccine candidate antigens among invasive K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates from infants in the Gambia.
I have developed interest in fungal research and have been motivated by the pressing need to impact knowledge about mycology in the Gambia and to fight against the growing threats of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance infections. Currently, I am an adjunct lecturer in Mycology at the University of the Gambia. I am the GAFFI country ambassador for the Gambia and have been involved in one of GAFFI’s recent publications on Africa: Diagnostic capacity for cutaneous fungal diseases in the African continent (A. S. Badiane et al., 2023). First published: 20 June 2023: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.16751

Bruno

Carneiro

Doctor

Universidade Federal do Paraná

Brazil

Antifungal use, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Patient engagement

C.gattii clinical and epidemiological aspects

MD, Internal medicine and Infectious Disease specialist. Hospital de Clínicas/Federal University of Paraná Current research on clinical and epidemiological aspects of C.gattii.

Fellow

Filipe

Batista

Infectious diseases Mycologist

Academia

Universidade de Pernambuco

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Patient cohorts, Sporothrix

One Health and AI

Fellowship in Clinical Transplantation Mycologist from University of Pernambuco / Brazil Immunocompromised host area

Dr.

Plínio

Trabasso

Associate Professor

Academia

Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp.

Diagnostic tools, Antimicrobial resistance, phylogeny, multiomics.

P. Trabasso was graduated in Medicine (1987) and Resident Doctor specializing in infectious diseases (1988 to 1990) in the School of Medical Sciences (FCM), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). He has Masters (1995), Doctorate (2001), and Associate Professor (2016) degrees in Internal Medicine from School of Medical Sciences, Unicamp. He has a Post-Doctorate in Molecular Biology of Fungal Infections at the Medical Mycology Research Center (MMRC) from Chiba University (Japan, 2013). He was President of the Brazilian Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (ABIH) for two terms (2005-2006 and 2007-2008). Currently, he is an Associate Professor of infectious diseases at FCM – UNICAMP, and the Teaching Coordinator of the Unicamp Infectious Diseases League for under-graduate students. He has expertise in infectious diseases; healthcare-associated infections; antimicrobial stewardship; infections in immunosuppressed patients; invasive fungal infections; resistant microorganisms; hospital epidemiology; and molecular biology applied to infectious diseases. His bibliographic production consists of 48 papers published in indexed peer-reviewed journals and 4 book chapters. He was the Clinical Director (2014 to 2018) and Deputy Director (2018 to 2021) of Hospital de ClÃnicas from Unicamp. He worked as Teaching Adviser to the Office of the General Coordination (Vice-Rector) of the State University of Campinas from Sep. 2021 until Apr. 2025.

PhD

Carolina

do Prado

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Academia

Radboud University of Nijmegen

Netherlands

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Sporothrix

My research interests focus on tackling antifungal resistance, genotyping, and identifying molecular patterns in Sporothrix species, in association with clinical and epidemiological data, with an emphasis on zoonotically transmitted infections.

Veterinary Doctor (Centro Universitário Dinâmica das Cataratas – 2016). Specialist in Parasitic Diseases of Animals (Federal University of Paraná – 2019). PhD in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology (Federal University of Paraná – 2025). Currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology. Member of the International Society of Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM), the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), the Latin American Working Group on Clinical Mycology (INFOCUS LATAM ISHAM) and the Sporotrichosis One Health ISHAM Working Group.

Luciane Alarcão

Dias-Melicio

Assistant Professor

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Brazil

Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Other spp.

The Immunopathology and Infectious Agents (LIAI) research group seeks to study the host-pathogen interaction, evaluating the mechanisms of the innate immune response against different pathogens, such as Paracoccidioides spp, etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic fungal granulomatous disease that is endemic in Latin America . It has focused on evaluating the effector and modulatory mechanisms of the response of phagocytic cells such as monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils against different microorganisms, highlighting the mechanisms related to the release of NETs (Neutrophil Extracellular Nets) against Paracoccidioides.

https://www.fmb.unesp.br/#!/pesquisa/unidade-de-pesquisa-experimental/laboratorios-bioterios/dedicados4018/liai—imunopatologia-e-ag-infecciosos/

https://www.fmb.unesp.br/#!/pesquisa/unidade-de-pesquisa-experimental/pesquisas/linhas-de-pesquisa/imunopatologia-e-agentes-infecciosos–inflamacao-vitamina-d-e-obesidade/

Graduated in Biomedical Sciences by São Paulo State University (1993-1996); specialization in Immunology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases – Medical School – UNESP-Botucatu (1997-1999), master (1999-2001) and Ph.D. (2002-2005) in Pathology at Medical School -UNESP-Botucatu, developed thesis in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute – UNESP – Botucatu. Held two post-doctoral programs in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology – IB, UNESP Júlio de Mesquita Filho – Botucatu, in the period 2007-2009 ( FAPESP grants) and 2010-2011 (CNPq grants). Now I´m currently Assistant Professor PhD at Department of Pathology, Medical School and Permanent Professor of Pathology Postgraduate Program (Medical School – UNESP – Botucatu), and has experience in the area of Immunology and Immunopathology emphasizing Paracoccidioidomycosis, acting on the following topics: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, NO, H2O2, fungicidal activity, iron, monocytes, cytokines, toll-like receptors, NETs, Flow Cytometry, Real-Time PCR, Confocal Microscopy and Intravital Microscopy.

Dayvison

Freitas

Researcher in Public Health

Academia

Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Sporothrix

I am a Dermatologist and Researcher in Public Health. My projects involve mostly sporotrichosis and paracoccidioidomycosis. My interests are in clinics and epidemiology, but I also participate in projects that study the relation with the fungus, its omics, genetics, and patients immunology, for example, trying to incorporate knowledge to the disease. Development of new diagnostic and treatment options would also be great.

https://www.ini.fiocruz.br/laboratorio-de-pesquisa-clinica-em-dermatologia-infecciosa-2/

http://lattes.cnpq.br/5971386372836503

Researcher in Infectious Dermatology at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) – RJ. Graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2003), I completed my Medical Residency in Internal Medicine at the Hospital Federal de Ipanema (2006) and in Dermatology at the Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado (2008), being recognized as a specialist in Internal Medicine (RQE N: 12231) and in Dermatology (RQE N: 14376) by the Federal Council of Medicine. I have experience and interest in the area of â€‹â€‹Dermatology. Master of Science in Infectious Diseases from the Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute (currently INI), Fiocruz (2009), PhD in Medicine in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Fiocruz (2014) and Post-Doctorate in Mycology (INI, Fiocruz), studying aspects of Human Sporotrichosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Focus on assistance and studies of infectious dermatoses, such as: sporotrichosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, cutaneous manifestations of people living with HIV/AIDS, cutaneous tuberculosis, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma. Permanent Professor of the Stricto Sensu Postgraduate Course in Clinical Research in Infectious Diseases at INI, Fiocruz.

Dr.

Carolina

Firacative

Associated Lecturer

Academia

Universidad del Rosario

Colombia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Virulence factors

I am researcher and lecturer. I work on molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis and antifungal susceptibility of human and animal pathogenic fungi, mainly Cryptococcus and Candida.

Biologist with PhD in Medicine

QFB

Yanet Estrella

Tovar Calderón

Head of Laboratory

Academia

Instituto Nacional de Pediatría

Mexico

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement

I am particularly interested in multidisciplinary approaches that combine data science, healthcare policy, and frontline clinical practice to address systemic challenges in health systems.

At the National Institute of Paediatrics, teamwork is essential for diagnosis in collaboration with infectious disease physicians to improve the health of our children. Every clinical sample is valuable for an accurate diagnosis. There is no doubt that we are committed to achieving quality in our diagnostic processes every single day. We believe in process improvement and innovation.

Dr.

Quoc-Khanh

Tran

PhD. student

Academia

Tokushima University

Japan

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

I am originally trained as a pediatrician with a clinical focus on infectious diseases in children, particularly fungal infections such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus. My main interests lie in the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical monitoring of these patients.

In addition, I am highly motivated to collaborate on molecular biology research, especially utilizing OMICS data to identify predictive biomarkers for severe disease progression and to better understand the pathogenesis of fungal infections in humans. These insights could contribute to the development of more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.

I am a pediatrician by training, having completed my residency in Vietnam with a clinical focus on infectious diseases in children, particularly fungal infections such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus. I am currently pursuing a Doctoral Program at Tokushima University, Japan, where I focus on infectious diseases, including invasive fungal infections. At my home institution in Vietnam, we encounter many pediatric cases of fungal infections and have access to a large number of clinical specimens. However, our capacity to conduct in-depth scientific research remains limited due to constraints in resources and personnel, despite the urgent need for such work.

My research interests include improving the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of fungal infections in children. I am particularly interested in applying molecular biology techniques and multi-OMICS approaches to identify biomarkers that can predict severe disease progression and elucidate the mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis in humans. I hope these insights will contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, especially for critically ill patients.

I am eager to connect and collaborate with other members of the FAILSAFE community to contribute to impactful research that addresses real-world clinical challenges and improves patient outcomes.

Serge

DOU

Biologist

University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan

Côte d’Ivoire

Aspergillus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test

I’m interested in histoplasmosis: epidemiology, diagnostic methods, treatment, and strain phylogeny. This topic is the subject of my science thesis in CÃ´te d’Ivoire.

In addition, I’m also interested in other fungi such as Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and Candida.

I am a medical biologist in Ivory Coast, specializing in parasitology and mycology. I am currently working on histoplasmosis as part of my science thesis. In Côte d’Ivoire, little data is available on deep mycoses. We are available to establish collaborations to address these issues.

Johannes

Rack

Principle Investigator

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Virulence factors

My main research intersted lies in understanding the fungal DNA damage response and repair utilisng Aspergillus fumigatus as model system. Alteration in these process can lead to an altered mutation rate and support the development of antifungal resistance. On the other hand, maintining genomic integrity is crucial for fungal survival and as such attacking the DNA repair process may lead to the development of novel therapeutics.

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/41132-johannes-rack

I studies Biochemistry at the University of Hannover & Hannover Medical School (Germany), before obtaining a PhD from the University of Bergen (Norway) working on epigentic gene regulation through acetylation. Subsequently, I move for a PostDoc to the University of Oxford (UK) to study ADP-ribosylation – fundamental stress signal – first in the bacterial oxidative stress response and later as master regulator of the mammalian DNA damage response. In April 2023, I joined the MRC CMM on an MRC Career Development Award to apply the knowledge I gain through these projects to understand the DNA damage response in fungal pathogens utilising Aspergillus fumigatus as model organism. In particular, my lab is interested how the fungal DNA damage response contributes to the emergance of antifungal resitance and virulence.

MSc

Mariamalia

Cob Delgado

Coordinadora Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia Micología

Inciensa

Costa Rica

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Sporothrix

Invasive fungal infections, antifungal resistance, biomarkers of invasive fungal infection, molecular identification of fungal pathogens, study of nosocomial outbreaks by whole genome sequencing.

I am a microbiologist and clinical chemist graduated from the University of Costa Rica, where I also earned my Specialist Degree in Medical Mycology. I also hold a Professional Master’s Degree in Applied Epidemiology for Health Systems from the National University of Costa Rica.
I currently coordinate the National Medical Mycology Network in Costa Rica. My work focuses on the surveillance of fungal infections in Costa Rica, the clinical diagnosis of invasive mycoses, and the use of molecular tools to identify nosocomial outbreaks.
https://www.inciensa.sa.cr/mariamalia-cob-delgado/

Rhys

Farrer

Senior Lecturer

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Candida, Cryptococcus, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

My research uses several sequencing technologies to study the patterns of genomic, transcriptomic, and gene-regulatory variation between and within populations of microbial pathogens.

I am a Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics and my current projects focus on the evolution of virulence across several fungal genera with a particular focus on Candida, Cryptococcus and Chytridiomycota species.

I received my PhD in Clinical Medicine in 2013 from Imperial College London. Between 2013-2017, I worked at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard as a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellow. In 2018 I worked at UCL in London before joining the MRC Center for Medical Mycology at first the University of Aberdeen and then the University of Exeter in August 2019.

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/33475-rhys-farrer

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/33475-rhys-farrer

My research uses several sequencing technologies to study the patterns of genomic, transcriptomic, and gene-regulatory variation between and within populations of microbial pathogens. I am a Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics and my current projects focus on the evolution of virulence across several fungal genera with a particular focus on Candida, Cryptococcus and Chytridiomycota species. I received my PhD in Clinical Medicine in 2013 from Imperial College London. Between 2013-2017, I worked at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard as a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellow. In 2018 I worked at UCL in London before joining the MRC Center for Medical Mycology at first the University of Aberdeen and then the University of Exeter in August 2019.Qualifications: 2023 PGCert, Academic Practice (PGCAP), University of Exeter, UK 2012 Ph.D. Clinical Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK 2008 M.Sc. Bioinformatics (Distinction), University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK 2007 B.Sc. (Hons) Cellular Biology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

Elizabeth

Ballou

Principle Investigator

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach

My research addresses the cell biology of Cryptococcus neoformans and the basal fungi, Mucorales. We are especially interested in how changes in cell size and shape are regulated at the molecular level, and how fungi change these in response to changing environments.

I additionally lead the Mycology Bioimaging Initiative, a team focused on Bioimaging tool development for non-model fungi, including the development of fungal fluorescent reporters and microfluidics devices, as well as the delivery of training courses in bioimaging of fungal cell biology for medical mycologists.

Elizabeth Ballou, PhD, is a fungal cell biologist and medical mycologist at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter. Her lab studies the changeable ways that fungal pathogens respond to their environments, and how we can use this information to improve health outcomes. She studied at Chemistry at Mount Holyoke College, USA, and Molecular Biology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, before earning her PhD at Duke University, USA, in the Genetics and Genomics of Cryptococcus neoformans. In 2012, she moved to the University of Aberdeen to join the lab of Prof Alistair Brown, and was awarded a BBSRC Anniversary Future Leaders Fellowship in 2015. In 2017, she launched her lab at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Microbiology and Infection, and was awarded a Wellcome Trust Henry Dale Fellowship in 2018. Dr Ballou has received the Berkeley Award (2018) for outstanding original scientific contributions to mycology by early-career researchers and the Lister Prize (2021) for up and coming biomedical research. She joined the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology in 2021, where her research focuses on Cryptococcus neoformans and the black mold Mucorales fungal pathogens.

Danai Tavonga

Zhou

Lecturer

Academia

University of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

Metagenomics

Infant Gut Microbiome

HIV Treatment Outcomes

Dr. Danai Tavonga Zhou (Ph.D., University of Oslo, Norway in 2017), is a senior lecturer in the Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is currently a postdoc fellow of the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE) Program. Using various fellowships and grants, she has received advanced pharmacogenomics research training at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, USA in 2019 and infant gut microbiome the Technical University of Munich, Germany between May 2022 and January 2023. For her pharmacogenomics work, she is being mentored by experts in pharmacy practice based at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Zhou recently set up a human and microbial genomics research group at her home institution, focusing on strengthening human gut microbiome and pharmacogenomics research in Zimbabwe. Gut microbiome research is a growing field revolutionizing dietary and clinical interventions including fermented foods, formula milk, and new approaches to next-generation prebiotics, and probiotics, for people with HIV. To design relevant interventions for all populations, efforts must contextualize the ‘healthy’ microbiome of infants exposed to antiretroviral therapy. This pertinent work is the current focus of Dr. Zhou’s pharmacogenomics work, in Zimbabwe.

Dr.

Paula

Portella Della Terra

Postdoctoral Researcher

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

My research focuses on the development of immunotherapeutic strategies and vaccines for fungal diseases, with special interest in Sporothrix brasiliensis. I have experience in the investigation of host-pathogen interactions. I am also interested in diagnostic assays, antigen discovery, and the characterization of protective immune responses in experimental models of infection.

Current Research Profile:

For more information, please see my CNPq Lattes profile:

https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/visualizacv.do?id=K4258548D5

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade Nove de Julho (2007), a Master’s degree in Sciences from the Federal University of São Paulo (2015), and a Ph.D. in Sciences from the same institution (2021) in the field of Medical Mycology. My research focuses on virulence, host-pathogen interactions, proteomics, and the immunogenicity of virulence factors of fungi from the Sporothrix genus, as well as the molecular biology of pathogenic fungi (Sporothrix, Paracoccidioides, and Histoplasma). I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, where I work on immune responses against pathogenic fungi, the development of vaccines based on immunogenic peptides, and the identification of immunological markers of protection. https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/visualizacv.do?id=K4258548D5

Allie

Sibole

Engineer

KeraLink International

United States

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Outreach

KeraLink International is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the global burden of blindness by preventing, detecting, and treating causes of blindness that are especially prevalent in low-and middle-income countries. We are particularly interested in the role of fungal pathogens in eye disease and in alternative strategies to diagnose and treat fungal infections. We are developing non-pharmaceutical, evidence-backed solutions that can identify and wipe out fungal pathogens. We are interested in connecting with others working in this space and learning more about available funding opportunities.

Allie Sibole is a biomedical engineer with extensive experience in the development of medical technologies. Her background is in the mechanical and electrical design of medical devices, and she has past experience working at Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and PATH. She is based in the US but currently works with a global team at KeraLink International to develop affordable eye care technologies for low-and-middle income countries, starting with India. She is interested in non-pharmaceutical anti-fungal solutions and in connecting with other collaborators working in LMICs.

Msc

Julia

Guimaraes

Student

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Combination therapies, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

https://lattes.cnpq.br/5395644418800519

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3928-0703

Immunotherapy against experimental cryptococcosis: a strategy of vaccination with TLR2 agonists as immunostimulating agents

Graduated in Biomedicine from Universidade Paulista (2020), with scientific initiation in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents of the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP). She holds a Master’s degree in Science from the Postgraduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology of FMRP-USP (2023). She is currently a doctoral student in the Postgraduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology Applied to Pharmacy at São Paulo State University-UNESP. Her professional experience focuses on cell biology and immunology, with a special focus on research related to cell therapy with T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to combat invasive fungal infections.

Mrs

Khadija

Saleh

Senior Medical laboratory technician

Academia

Salmanya medical complex

Bahrain

Immunotherapies

Iâ€™m interested mainly in hematolgy related topics.

I have been working as a medical lab technician since 2007 in hematology, at Salmanya medical complex, the biggest hospital in Bahrain. I’m looking to expand my knowledge and improve lab work here with all the best technology that will be available here soon.

Nathan

Kawonga

Intern Medical Doctor

Academia

University of Malawi

Malawi

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My primary research interests lie in infectious diseases, especially fungal infections and their diagnosis through medical mycology. I am passionate about improving diagnostic approaches and laboratory methods in resource-limited settings. I am also keen to pursue a career in pathology, focusing on advancing disease detection using both traditional and molecular techniques. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to better patient outcomes by strengthening fungal disease diagnosis and management in Malawi and across Africa.

I am a dedicated medical doctor currently completing my internship in Malawi under the Ministry of Health. I hold an MBBS degree and have a strong interest in infectious diseases, particularly fungal infections, and their diagnosis through medical mycology. My career goal is to specialize in anatomical pathology, with a focus on improving disease detection and diagnostic capacity in resource-limited settings. During my training, I have been actively involved in clinical care and have gained hands-on experience in managing a variety of infectious and non-infectious conditions. I am passionate about bridging the gap between clinical medicine and laboratory diagnostics to enhance patient outcomes. I am particularly motivated to contribute to the development of diagnostic strategies for fungal diseases in Africa. I look forward to collaborating with other clinicians and researchers across the continent through the FAILSAFE Network.

ali

abbas

hematologist

Industry

Accra Polytechnic

Bahrain

Diagnostics, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement

Hematologist working in malignant filed interested in leukemia and lymphoma

Hematologist working in malignant filed interested in leukemia and lymphoma.

Researcher

Shima

Aboutalebian

Researcher

Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Iran

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

Antifungal susceptibility testing and drug resistance mechanisms.

Molecular diagnostic methods in microbiology.

Molecular epidemiology of fungal infection.

Fungal infectious diseases.

Nosocomial infections.

I am Shima Aboutalebian, a graduate in Medical Mycology from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Currently, I work as a Researcher and Teaching Assistant in the Molecular Diagnostic Mycology and Antifungal Susceptibility Laboratories at the same institution. My main research interests include novel diagnostic methods, particularly molecular techniques for detecting and identifying pathogenic fungi in clinical samples (e.g. Candida auris and the Newly Emerging species Trichophyton indotineae), as well as the diagnosis and epidemiology of fungal infectious diseases, especially nosocomial infections. I have extensive experience in evaluating antifungal susceptibility testing and drug resistance mechanisms in clinical isolates and believe this is a crucial area that requires significant research attention.
As a researcher, I have collaborated with various research teams at my university and have also led independent projects. I have over 8 years of experience in molecular Medical Mycology with extensive expertise in diagnosis, identification, fungal epidemiology, and antifungal resistance of fungal pathogens. I have been working as a supervisor in a laboratory, which is recognized as a leading center for fungal diagnostics in Iran. My work has resulted in the publication of more than 38 articles in national and international journals. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to present my research at multiple national conferences.
ORCID: 0000-0003-0178-4372
Scopus Author ID: 57209265756

Sanam

Nami

Associate Professor of Medical Mycology

Academia

Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Iran

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Mucorales or Mucormycoses

Epidmiology Immunology molecular

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7SlAp-IAAAAJ&hl=en

Miss

Beata

Brezniczky

postgraduate student

Academia

University of Plymouth

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Omics, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Current research project: dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus and their interactions

Past research project: bacterial isolates from flower samples with antimicrobial activity against human pathogens

My special areas of interest include biofilms, polymicrobial infections, bacteriology, mycology, antimicrobial resistance, microorganism pathogenicity, ethics in clinical trials, and AI in healthcare.

I am an MSc Biomedical Science Infection & Immunity student at the University of Plymouth with a degree in BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year.

Please feel free to connect on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/beatabrezniczky

Dr.

Srividhya

Ravichandran

Technical Staff

Academia

Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

India

Biomarker, Education and Workshops, Outreach

I’m flow cytometry manager at the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras. I train early career fellows to acquire the technique of flow cytometry. Aid them to learn the instrumentation, optimise sample preparation and data analysis in analysers and sorter.

My area of interest is mitochondrial biology and mitochondrial therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

I would like to learn more about flow cytometry and expand my network in flow community.

Mr.

Lamin

Ndow

Microbiologist

Academia

Gambia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Monitoring transmission, Virulence factors

Main research interest area is on epidemiology of fungal infection in one health approach and related risk factors . An interested to work on Candida, Aspergillus, Histoplasma

Am with vast experience in laboratory medicine with about 15years of working experience at different levels( District Hospital, General Hospital, Teaching Hospital and National level ) . I got the opportunity to do my BSc in Laboratory medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences where i was expose to various specialty such as bacteriology lab , Hematology, Mycology , Biochemistry , parasitology etc.) despite this exposure, i got interested in medical mycology because this is a gap in the Gambia , misdiagnosed cases from different hospitals and clinics as a result of capacity gap in medical mycology.

Am currently working at the NPHL reference microbiology Lab the main reference lab unfortunately in the Gambia where there is no mycology lab and as far as am concern am yet to see a trained or a specialist mycologist . My main intention to connect to this network is to enhance my capacity in Mycology to better establish it in my country.

kailash

raghuwanshi

Advisor

Industry

United States

Diagnostics, Vaccine development

landcent.nl

Freya

Griffiths

Research Technician

Academia

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Outreach, Patient engagement

Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) – https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/mfig/

Hi! I’m Freya, a Research Technician working in the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) at eh University of Manchester. My background includes a BSc in Applied Biomedical Science, with HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist status and around 2 years of industry experience in Microbiology. My work at MFIG spans a range of projects, including testing new antifungal drugs and exploring antifungal resistance in the environment. I also help manage the day-to-day running of the lab, with a focus on maintaining quality and consistency. I’m involved in FAILSAFE to support the development of robust, reproducible methods in fungal research and to assist in the research surrounding antifungal resistance.

Master’s degree student

Lydia

Berger

Student

Academia

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Monitoring transmission, Sporothrix

Current research based in pathogen evolution with species of Sporothrix

I’m a recently graduated veterinary persuing my masters degree in the infectious diseases department at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil. Working at the Especial Mycology Lab (LEMI) mainly with filamentous fungi that cause animal and human infections.

Mr.

Huasen

PhD student

Academia

United Kingdom

Aspergillus

Spores of the mould Aspergillus fumigatus cause >3,000,000 chronic and >300,000 invasive diseases annually worldwide. Invasive aspergillosis is the most fatal, with a 50% mortality rate. Fatalities can be inevitable if diagnosis is delayed or missed, and it is >75% in certain cohorts of patients. Infections with azole-resistant isolates (which have grown by 40% since 2006) is almost impossible to treat clinically with mortality approaching 100%. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop novel strategies for the clinical management of fungal infections. The first line of defence against A. fumigatus spores are airway epithelial cells (AECs) that form the mucosal barrier in our lungs. Previous research from the Bertuzzi group has demonstrated the potent immune protection afforded by these cells, showing that AECs efficiently internalise and kill A. fumigatus spores. Importantly, this process is altered in patients at risk of fungal lung disease. The overarching research hypothesis in the Bertuzzi lab is that AECs critically contribute to healthy clearance of inhaled A. fumigatus spores and that dysregulation of this process drives of aspergillus-related diseases. The mechanisms that underlie how AECs recognise, internalise and eradicate fungal spores is a major gap in the knowledge.

PhD student at the University of Manchester, based at the Core Technology Facility. Recently completed an MSc in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nottingham. Research focuses on host–pathogen interactions in airway epithelial responses to Aspergillus fumigatus, with a particular interest in fungal immunology.

Jones

Muha

laboratory manager

Afghanistan

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient engagement

My research interest is on mycobiomes and diagnosis of fungal infections.

My name is Jones Muha, I was born in Phalombe district, Malawi. It was in 1987.Idid my primary school and secondary school in southern region by 2005. My dad was a primary school teacher. My age was 6 when I started primary school. This background has influenced me to love learning at an early age of my life. My mum is a farmer. The family’s religion was Christianity. Likewise, the siblings continue the same religion, Seventh-Day Adventists.

I attained tertiary education from 2007-2010 at the university of Malawi. Currently it is known as Kamuzu university of health sciences.

My working history in the civil service is 15 years. I joined the ministry of health in November 2010 as the laboratory officer. I have work experience in both central and district hospitals. Being chosen in leadership positions is also part of my story. I headed various laboratory sections at queen Elizabeth central hospital. I’ve been at the position of the laboratory manager for two times.

Currently, I’m working as the laboratory manager at Chitipa district hospital. This is the fourth year, working as the laboratory in-charge. I am establishing medical laboratories in health centers. In additional to this, I am making sure that laboratory equipment is available at the district hospital and health centers as well.

My only problem/drawback is education, I have overstayed. It is now 15 years since I left college. This is the time for me to further my education.

Bernadette

Belter

PhD Student

Academia

South Africa

My research focuses on the expression, structural characterisation, and inhibitor screening of ∆24-sterol methyltransferase (SMT) enzymes from fungal pathogens and protozoan parasites. These enzymes play a critical role in ergosterol biosynthesis and represent promising targets for antifungal and antiparasitic drug development. I am currently working on SMTs from Candida albicans, Candida auris, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Leishmania species (L. donovani and L. major), with the goal of identifying novel or repurposed inhibitors through structure-based drug discovery and testing their effectiveness on these organisms.

I am a PhD candidate in Biochemistry with an interest in antifungal and antiparasitic drug discovery. My current research focuses on the heterologous expression, purification, and structural characterisation of ∆24-sterol methyltransferase (SMT) enzymes from key fungal pathogens (Candida albicans, Candida auris, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus) and parasitic protozoa (Leishmania donovani and L. major). These enzymes are essential in ergosterol biosynthesis, a pathway absent in humans, making them ideal therapeutic targets.

Using structure-based drug discovery techniques such as X-ray crystallographic fragment screening, I aim to identify novel or repurposed inhibitors against SMTs. These compounds are subsequently tested for antifungal and antiparasitic efficacy. My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of broad-spectrum therapeutics, particularly for diseases that disproportionately affect resource-limited settings.

I have a background in microbiology, molecular cloning, yeast expression systems, and protein purification, and have experience presenting my work to both scientific and public audiences. I am particularly interested in collaborative opportunities focused on antifungal mechanisms, resistance, and diagnostic tool development.

Ya Jankey

Jagne

Post Doctoral Researcher

Academia

Gambia

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Vaccine development

ORCID ID- 0000-0001-5235-8475

Post Doctoral Researcher (Vaccines and Immunity Theme)

I am an early career researcher interested in the broader understanding of the immune responses to infections and vaccination in children. I hope to use my research to identify immune correlates of protection against infectious diseases such as Group A streptococcus infection that could aid vaccine development.

Especialista

Ana Paula

Doria Pagnini Da Cruz

Técnica de Laboratório

Academia

Brazil

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

I am a biomedical scientist and currently work in the field of flow cytometry. I am very interested in joining this group with the aim of staying up to date with discussions and advancements in the field. I am available to collaborate with other members whenever needed

Dr.

Fatima

Farhan

Resident

Academia

Pakistan

Antigen, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies

I’m mainly interested in researching rare blood disorders like bone marrow failure and sickle cell disease. I focus on using lab tests like flow cytometry and genetic studies to better understand and diagnose these conditions, especially in children. My goal is to help doctors make more accurate and timely treatment decisions.

I’m a clinical laboratory resident with a focus on hematology and rare blood disorders, especially bone marrow failure syndromes. I work on research involving flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and immune profiling. I’m passionate about collaborative projects that improve diagnostics and patient care in complex hematological conditions.

Nouman

Nathani

Resident

Academia

Pakistan

Education and Workshops, Patient engagement

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nouman-Nawaz-Ali-Nathani

Luigi

Galea

Biomedical scientist

Industry

Malta

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Terbinafine resistant dermatophytes

Biomedical scientist with 12 years experience in a medical mycology laboratory where we prepare media (cca,sdc,sdcc), identify cultures by microscopy, biochemical tests, maldi-tof and ngs while also processing all patient samples suspected of fungal infection via culture, serology (bdg, galactomannan, lfa etc) and genetics. Followed by antifungal susceptibility testing.

Khuliso

Ramaite

Medical Scientist

Academia

South Africa

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Other spp., Outreach, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My main research interests lie in microbial pathogenesis, particularly focusing on clinically significant fungal pathogens and their mechanisms of antifungal resistance. I am passionate about improving diagnostic tools and surveillance strategies to detect and monitor antifungal resistance in resource-limited settings. My background in clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics supports my aim to contribute to innovative, accessible solutions that align with One Health principles and are applicable to LMICs.

While I currently do not have a personal research webpage, I am actively involved in collaborative projects that align with the core GAMRIF objectives, including antimicrobial resistance surveillance and fungal diagnostics.

Khuliso Ramaite is a qualified Medical Scientist with over one year of experience in diagnostic microbiology, molecular biology, and antimicrobial resistance research. She currently works at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, contributing to bacterial and fungal surveillance projects through phenotypic and molecular testing, including MALDI-TOF identification and real-time PCR. Khuliso has a strong interest in fungal pathogens, diagnostic innovation, and the growing threat of antifungal resistance—particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Her background includes laboratory work on bacterial and fungal identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (e.g., broth microdilution, E-test, automated systems), and research method validation using tools. Khuliso holds a Master of Technology in Water Care, BSC Honours and BSC Degree and has previously worked with both clinical and environmental samples. She is passionate about collaborative research, laboratory capacity building, and translating findings into accessible healthcare solutions for LMICs.

Dugald

Rowland

Research Scientist

Academia

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, One Health and Education, Vaccine development

I am an automation focused research scientist looking at using automation innovations to expand on a wide range of investigations within the medical mycology field.

Dugald Rowland has over 20 years of industry experience across hospitality, consumer goods, and higher education sectors. He was formerly a Formulation Chemist & Lab Technician in the cosmetics industry and spent his early career as a chef de cuisine.

He is an experienced in lab automation and process systems, including CAD design, root-cause analysis, and SOP development for ISO/GMP environments.

As a core member of the Stellenbosch Biofoundry, he is developing an in-house dsDNA synthesis and assembly services, aiming to produce and assemble 100 kb dsDNA, addressing local turnaround delays and forex pressures. Furthermore, he manages the implementation of new tools and equipment into the Biofoundry service.

He is active contributor in laboratory automation communities—engaging on LinkedIn to discuss real-world challenges in automation testing processes.

He is a rapid learner and adaptive; skilled in troubleshooting complex systems; and an analytical problem-solver with a knack for optimizing processes and procedures.

Andrew

Thom

Infection technician

Academia

United Kingdom

Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Virulence factors

I am currently interested in the host pathogen interaction of the small airways however I have many varied projects that I work on and this will continue to expand in the future.

Luthvia

Annisa

PhD student

Academia

United Kingdom

Aspergillus

My research focuses on the complex interactions between fungal pathogens and host cells, with particular emphasis on identifying drivers for effective fungal clearance and the factors that impair it. My work aims to elucidate how host cells recognize and eliminate fungal pathogens and how certain host conditions (COPD) contribute to immune evasion and persistent infection.

I am a first-year PhD student at Manchester Fungal Infection Group under the supervision of Dr. Margherita Bertuzzi. I am an awardee of “Beasiswa Pendidikan Indonesia (BPI-LPDP)” Scholarship from Indonesia government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology). I was born and raised in Indonesia. I finished my medical doctor education from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. After five years of medical practice while also being involved in research, I then proceed to do my residency training in clinical microbiology from the same university. My research background in general, is about clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, focusing more on fungal infections, especially on surveillance of fungal MDRO and antifungal stewardship.

My PhD project aims to identify commonalities or divergences in the mechanism and role of airway epithelial cells responses against Aspergillus fumigatus and other major respiratory pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Cryptococcus neoformans.

This research will identify the molecular underpinnings of the epithelial processes that support effective microbial clearance, supplying vital knowledge and resources for mechanistic investigations on how these processes can be consistently exploited or distorted by various respiratory pathogens.

Gabrielle

van den Heever

Student

Academia

South Africa

Biomarkers and Diagnostics

My research focuses on developing heterologous expression systems for the production of lanthipeptides. These peptides are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified, resulting in various biological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-fungal and potential treatment of metabolic disorders. My work involves genome mining, cloning, protein expression, serology and various in vitro/vivo tests.

I’m currently a Master of Science student with a focus on molecular biology and microbial genomics. My research centers on natural product biosynthesis, particularly exploring antimicrobial compounds such as lanthipeptides. I enjoy combining lab-based techniques with bioinformatics tools such as antiSMASH and SnapGene to analyze biosynthetic gene clusters and understand their potential applications.

Alongside my studies, I actively contribute to the scientific community by working as a demonstrator for a third-year university module. This role allows me to support undergraduate students in developing their lab skills and deepening their understanding of biological systems—something I find incredibly rewarding.

As a member of FAILSAFE, I’m passionate about collaborating on projects that push the boundaries of genomic research, promote education, and foster innovation within the life sciences. I’m always open to learning from others and sharing ideas that can make science more accessible and impactful.

MLT

SANIRU

KIMWERI

MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST

Academia

Tanzania

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

1. Fungal characterization

2. Anti-fungal susceptibility testing

3. Superficial mycosis

4. Fungal keratitis

5. Invasive mycosis

6. Fungal infection in relation to immunology

My name is Saniru Bia Kimweri, a Medical Laboratory Technologist with over 10 years of experience in Microbiology, and more than 7 years of specialized experience in Mycology, particularly in research-based laboratory techniques.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with both local institutions in Tanzania and international organizations. These experiences have significantly deepened my expertise in Mycology and broadened my understanding of global laboratory standards.

I have worked for nearly five years as a Laboratory Mycologist with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Eye Health Projects and Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC), based in Tanzania. Currently, I am serving in the Department of Microbiology at the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI), focusing specifically on Mycology.

My future interests include advancing my expertise in fungal characterization, antifungal susceptibility testing, understanding the relationship between fungal infections and immunological responses, and expanding my knowledge in molecular mycology.

By becoming a member of the FAILSAFE network, I look forward to sharing my knowledge, benefiting from expert-led training, building professional networks, accessing career development opportunities, and utilizing valuable resources such as textbooks, research materials, and atlases.

Giovanni

Breda

Physician

Academia

Brazil

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient cohorts, Sporothrix

Invasive Fungal Infections in Haematological/HSCT patients, specially Invasive Fusariosis;

Endemic Mycoses, specially sporothricosis and cryptococcosis;

Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases specialist, with emphasis on infections in Haematological/HSCT patients and endemic mycoses.

Currently collaborating with research groups in clinical, epidemiologic, microbiologic (identification, resistance) and therapeutic issues regarding invasive fungal infections and endemic mycoses.

Doctor

Wajeeha

Iftikhar

Resident pathology

Academia

Pakistan

AI/new tools, Antigen, Biomarker, Diagnostics

My research interest is in novel mutation in AML

I am currently pursuing my career in pathology and laboratory medicine at Aga Khan University Hospital. My role is as a resident in the department of hematology, where we aid in the diagnosis of hematological disorders.

Mr.

Alexander

Jordan

Epidemiologist

United States

Antigen, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Working with industry

https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Alexander-Jordan-2152045724

Alex leads the Global Unit at CDC Mycotic Diseases Branch (MDB) and serves as a technical focal point for MDB’s international activities and works closely with subject matter experts from MDB’s laboratory, epidemiology, and bioinformatics teams to coordinate technical support for initiatives focused on improving international fungal laboratory, treatment, and surveillance capacity. Alex also serves as MDB’s subject matter expert for HIV-associated cryptoccocal disease and HIV-associated histoplasmosis, key causes of preventable HIV-associated mortality worldwide.

Isabella

Fatti

Research Clinician

Academia

South Africa

Combination therapies, Cryptococcus

I am a research clinician on the EFFECT trial – Efficacy of Flucytosine and Fluconazole as Early Cryptococcal Treatment.

Based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

I am a research clinician on the EFFECT trial – Efficacy of Flucytosine and Fluconazole as Early Cryptococcal Treatment.

My background is in Public Health and treatment of Advanced HIV Disease. I have a particular interest in the interplay between HIV and Health Systems and health systems strengthening.

Muhammad Zubair

Iqbal

Vice Chancellor

Pakistan

Climate change impact on AFR, Outreach, Vaccine development

Public Policy, Outreach, Strategic Managment

A globally oriented executive with 20+ years of strategic leadership across policy advocacy, higher education, digital innovation, and policy ecosystems. As a Vice Chancellor, Pro-Rector, and former CEO of Pakistan’s first Knowledge Park, I have led major institutional transformations, built innovation ecosystems, scaled 350+ startups, and mobilized multimillion-dollar donor and corporate funding.

Educated in the UK and internationally trained (Chevening, APO-Japan, Tufts, Australia, Denmark), I bridge global best practices with regional execution in complex environments. I bring a track record of aligning Fourth Industrial Wave technologies, academia, and public policy to solve real-world problems at scale.

My work spans digital transformation, capacity development, inclusive innovation, and ecosystem building—serving as a trusted partner to governments, donors, and industry.

Kingsley

Osei

Research Assistant

Academia

Ghana

Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Outreach

My research interests focus on cancer biology, immunology, and the therapeutic potential of natural products. I am particularly interested in how compounds like caffeine and curcuminoids interact with key molecular pathways in breast cancer. Using network pharmacology and molecular docking, I generate hypotheses that I test through in vitro studies involving cell viability assays, flow cytometry, and colony formation. I have basic experience in cell culture and other core lab techniques, which I continue to build upon through hands-on research.

I also contribute to a study investigating immune responses in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Ghana. This work involves profiling cytokine signatures to explore immune modulation and potential biomarkers.

I am eager to apply my skills to interdisciplinary research in microbial pathogenesis and diagnostics, especially in low-resource settings, and I am open to collaborations that bridge cancer and infectious disease research.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/king6280/

Kingsley Attuah Osei is a Research Assistant at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens at the University of Ghana. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Nutrition and investigates the molecular targets of natural products such as caffeine and curcuminoids in breast cancer. His work combines network pharmacology and molecular docking with cell viability assays including MTT and flow cytometry and colony formation assays.

He contributes to a collaborative study that profiles cytokine responses in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy using multiplex cytokine analysis to identify immune signatures. His expertise in immune modulation and biomarker discovery positions him to support the CMM FAILSAFE Medical Mycology Network in advancing understanding of fungal host interactions and the mechanisms of antifungal resistance for the benefit of people in low and middle income countries.

Kingsley is passionate about developing diagnostic tools and innovative therapies for resource limited settings and is eager to collaborate on projects that integrate microbial pathogenesis, biomarker development, diagnostics, industry partnerships and product development.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/king6280/

Asha

Thombrayil

Research Medical Officer

Academia

South Africa

Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Patient engagement

I am currently employed as a sub-investigator at the Wits Health Consortium- Mycology Unit. I work primarily on a phase III, randomised control trial (EFFECT) of a novel treatment regimen for cryptococcal antigenaemia in participants living with advanced HIV disease. Prior to this I worked on various maternal and paediatric vaccine trials at the Wits Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit and on multiple HIV vaccine studies including HVTN 702(UHAMBO), HVTN 703(AMP) and HVTN 705(IMBOKODO) as well as an HPV vaccine trial at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Vaccines Research Centre. All of my clinical trial experience has involved infectious diseases, which is my particular area of interest. I have also developed a particular interest in vaccines, as this was the focus of my work for the first few years of working in research.

Dr Asha Thombrayil has been a sub-investigator at the EFFECT Trial’s Joburg sites- working across the Helen Joseph Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital sites- since 2022. She grew up in Zeerust (North West Province) and then completed her MBChB in 2014 at the University of Cape Town. Working on HIV vaccine trials at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit ignited a particular interest in infectious diseases and clinical research- she has worked on clinical trials for the last 8 years. She completed her Diploma in HIV Management in 2019 followed by the International Master of Vaccinology (IMVACC) programme with the University of Lausanne. Asha also loves to read, play boardgames and occasionally tries her hand at baking.

Cyrille Levis

KOUNTCHOU

Research Officer

Academia

Cameroon

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on medical mycology, molecular epidemiology of fungal pathogens, and the human mycobiome. I am particularly interested in the genetic diversity, antifungal resistance, and virulence factors of clinically relevant yeasts, such as Candida species, in immunocompromised patients. Additionally, I am exploring the composition and dynamics of the intestinal mycobiome and its interactions with bacterial and viral communities, using metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to better understand its role in health and disease, including co-infections such as schistosomiasis.

Dr. Cyrille Levis Kountchou is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in medical mycology, molecular epidemiology, and the human mycobiome. His research explores the genetic diversity, antifungal resistance, and virulence mechanisms of clinically relevant fungi, particularly Candida species in HIV-infected populations. He also investigates gut mycobiome dynamics and host–microbe interactions using metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics, with a special interest in co-infections such as schistosomiasis.

Doctor

Mahmuda

Yeasmin

Graduate Research Assistant

Academia

United States

Immunology, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

I am a physician-scientist from Bangladesh with an MD in Virology and currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Science at Georgia State University, USA. My research focuses on developing mRNA-based vaccines to improve cross-protective immunity against influenza viruses, particularly by targeting conserved antigens such as neuraminidase (NA) and matrix protein 2 ectodomain (M2e). I am particularly interested in addressing global challenges like antigenic drift and limited vaccine efficacy in low-resource settings through innovative vaccine design.

Previously, I worked in a national reference laboratory, ensuring the quality of molecular diagnostics and genome sequencing, and collaborating with international partners. My experience includes microbial pathogenesis, diagnostic validation, and translational research applicable to LMICs. I am eager to contribute to global antifungal resistance (AFR) efforts through collaborative, One Health-focused, and accessible innovation strategies.

My primary aspiration is to embark on a journey as a budding scientist and make a substantial contribution to the field of biomedical sciences. To advance the realm of patient care by developing effective therapies for viral diseases and cost-effective diagnostic methods, I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise and technical skills while seeking guidance from distinguished researchers and the academic community.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmuda-yeasmin-038a9318b/

Maria Niita

Amaambo

Medical laboratory technician

Industry

Namibia

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics

I am a dedicated Microbiology Specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience in a medical laboratory setting. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong foundation in clinical microbiology, working closely with diagnostic teams to ensure accurate testing and reporting for improved patient care.

My professional journey has been driven by a genuine curiosity for the microscopic world, particularly in the study of fungi. Over the years, my passion for mycology has grown, inspiring me to pursue further learning and practical engagement in this fascinating field. I am eager to deepen my knowledge in medical mycology, especially in the identification and management of fungal infections that are becoming increasingly significant in clinical practice.

Known for my meticulous attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and commitment to quality and safety standards, I continually seek opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I believe that ongoing education and research are essential in advancing medical science, and I am excited to contribute to this through continued study and laboratory work in the field of mycology.

PHD Clinical Microbiologist

Ardaly Djibo

Abdoul Aziz

Microbiologist

Academia

Niger

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

Antifungal Résistance

Biomolecular applied in mycology

Genetic diversity

Emergencing Infections

Abdoul Aziz Ardaly Djibo PhD in Clinical Microbiology. He is a lecturer in Clinical Mycology in several University and public health institutes in Niger Republic. He has been working at Healthy Together Initiative where he is the lead researcher in the emerging infections and antimicrobial resistance in west Africa. Since 2023 he is Scientist member of the Panafrican Mycology Working Group of ISHAM (International Society of Human and Animal Mycology). 2018 member and Head of scientific commission of Islamic Medical Association of Niger (AMIN) He is currently involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules in clinical mycology and research project, academic tutoring of undergraduate students, mentoring of undergraduate apprentices, and supervising and co-supervising both undergraduate and postgraduate research project at ENSP (Ecole National en santé Publique) of Niamey, at Université des Temps Modernes of Niamey and IPSP (Institut Privé en Santé Publique) of Niamey, Republic of Niger. In 2024 to 2025 He organized and leads four para-university courses in: Superficial Mycosis of the skin, Invasive Candidiasis, Pulmonary Aspergillus’s and Screening for fluconazole Resistance to different species of pathogenic Candida in several Hospital centres of Niamey, Niger Republic. He has extensive experience in clinical Microbiology (Bacteriology virology Mycology and parasitology), Immunology, Hematology, Clinical Biochemistry and Bimolecular applied in microorganism. Prior to do his PhD (2021 to 2024) he had worked in clinical laboratory of Issaka Gazobi Maternity of Niamey as microbiologist (2009 to 2016), he had pointed as head of several private clinical laboratories in Niamey, Republic of Niger (2016 to 2020).

Brice Rostan

Pinlap

PhD Student

Academia

Cameroon

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Omics

I am a PhD student affiliated with the University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon. My research focuses on exploring plants and microorganisms, specifically endophytes and coproplilous fungi, to identify potential lead compounds with antifungal activity. I am particularly interested in discovering natural products effective against clinically important fungi such as Candida, Cryptococcus, Malassezia, and dermatophytes. My work aims to contribute to the development of novel antifungal agents that address fungal infections and antifungal resistance, especially in low- and middle-income countries where such diseases pose significant health challenges.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brice-Rostan-Pinlap?ev=hdr_xprf

Brice Rostan PINLAP is a PhD student in Biochemistry at the University of Yaoundé 1. He graduated in Biochemistry (2022) at the University of Yaoundé 1. With hands-on expertise in phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and bacterial genomics, he has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and participated in international research collaborations. He was awarded the AGNES Mobility Grant and completed a fellowship at the bacterial genomics and Biotechnology research group, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is currently working on the bio-guided isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from Cameroonian medicinal plants to combat drug-resistant Shigella isolates.

https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0009-0002-7615-6565

Ardalan

Ghiaeeshamloo

Medical Mycology Specialist (PhD)

Academia

Iran

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Diagnostics, Monitoring transmission

All my research projects was is about hospitalized infections and identification and isolation the fungal infections ,determination of susceptibility to anti fungal drugs and herbals against the candida isolates , conduction the MIC with newest protocols, and speculate gen expression with real time PCR.

I graduated in good medical institute in Iran government university, with excellent research grade ,I married about 20 years ago, I have a daughter and My wife is specialist in food industry science .i am interested to work in an international research university.

Associate professor

J. Claire

Hoving

Group Leader

Academia

South Africa

Antigen, Candida, Cryptococcus, Emergomyces, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Outreach

https://idm.uct.ac.za/contacts/j-claire-hoving

Claire Hoving is a basic immunologist whose research aims to understand host immune responses to disease with a particular focus on HIV-related opportunistic infections. Fungal infections are often an overlooked clinical and public health issue but cause significant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their high prevalence, there are very few researchers dissecting the mechanisms of fungal infection in Africa, yet research in this field will provide new insights into protective immunity and may lead to improved treatments for immunocompromised patients. Claire’s group currently investigates the pathogenesis and host immune responses to:

1) Pneumocystis jirovecii, a common cause of pneumonia and death in patients with advanced HIV disease.

2) Emergomycosis africanus, a newly identified fungal pathogen in HIV patients and currently the most commonly diagnosed dimorphic fungal pathogen in these patients in South Africa.

3) Co-infection between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and opportunistic fungal pathogens.

https://idm.uct.ac.za/contacts/j-claire-hoving

Wellcome Trust Intermediate Fellow in Public Health and Tropical Medicine; Group leader in the AFRICA CMM Medical Mycology Unit, affiliated to the MRC UK Centre for Medical Mycology; honorary senior research fellow at the University of Exeter; contributing investigator at the Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa). Based in the Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology; Member, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT).

Claire Hoving is a basic immunologist whose research aims to understand host immune responses to disease with a particular focus on HIV-related opportunistic infections. Fungal infections are often an overlooked clinical and public health issue but cause significant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their high prevalence, there are very few researchers dissecting the mechanisms of fungal infection in Africa, yet research in this field will provide new insights into protective immunity and may lead to improved treatments for immunocompromised patients. Claire’s group currently investigates the pathogenesis and host immune responses to:

1) Pneumocystis jirovecii, a common cause of pneumonia and death in patients with advanced HIV disease.

2) Emergomycosis africanus, a newly identified fungal pathogen in HIV patients and currently the most commonly diagnosed dimorphic fungal pathogen in these patients in South Africa.

3) Co-infection between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and opportunistic fungal pathogens.

Sivanantham

Krishnamoorthi

Associate Professor

Academia

India

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient engagement

Clinical Mycology, One Health, Antifungal stewardship

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9730-9992

Jeanne Primitive

UYISENGA

University Lecturer

Academia

Rwanda

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Outreach

My research interest is to apply omics technologies to determine the diagnostic biomarkers for cancers and associated infections, including fungal infections, for early detection and effective management, but also to detect biomarkers associated with drug resistance.

Dr. Jeanne P. UYISENGA is a Ph. D holder in biomedical & pharmaceutical sciences and hold two masters programs, one in Biomedical Sciences (Biostatistics) and another one in Public Health (Clinical research and epidemiology). During her studies she acquired knowledge from both courses, trainings and laboratory works in molecular techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, in immunology such as ELISA, Immunohistochemistry…and master statistical analysis using different softwares including R, SAS, SPSS. She is currently a researcher and Lecturer of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Immunology&Immunogenetics, and Biostatistics at the University of Rwanda, Department of Biology. She is very active in research and has already up to 9 publications in peer – reviewed journals and she is a involved as PI or Co-Pi in three ongoing research projects.

Haarish

Post Grauduate Resident

Academia

India

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

Currently I am working on Aspergillus fumigatus and its burden in causing aspergillosis among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

I am very curious to learn more about medical mycology which in very near future will cause a global pandemic.This can only be prevented when many are aware and obtain appropriate knowledge.Mycology in developing and under developed countries has the disease burden which is always under diagnosed or sub clinical case.I believe that i can lay a stepping stone to my community and to my country to enhance diagnosis of mycology and eventually improve quality of life.

MSc. MD

Elisa

Cabeza

associate professor

Academia

Uruguay

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

https://export.cvuy.uy/cv/?b06dc1f94fa64030c9e8fc2e6991ff5478c1a9e188d7a2b5c7367084f47fe37e82cddb92b35c70d7f46e1525e6ffc92d9144b959f1f8f1f52cc1d7f35dd9f6f8

Research and Teaching in the Medical Area, in Parasitology and Medical Mycology.
I hold two teaching positions: as a Teaching Assistant in the Chair of Infectious Diseases and as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Parasitology and Mycology, both within the Faculty of Medicine, UdelaR. I completed postgraduate studies in the Academic Program of Biomedical Research, obtaining a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences.

In this regard, my main line of research in mycology focuses on the phylogeny, genotyping, and pathophysiology of Cryptococcus spp., as well as endemic mycoses. Currently, in our country there are no phylogenetic studies of circulating Cryptococcus spp. isolates that are capable of causing meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Understanding the phylogeny, the circulating molecular types, and their in vitro pathogenic potential could lay the groundwork for a better understanding of this disease, which would in turn improve patient care in cases of this systemic mycosis.

My main areas of interest are infectious diseases in neutropenic onco-hematologic patients and in patients with HIV infection.

Jolly

Musoke

Medical Scientist

Academia

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, Outreach, Patient engagement

My research focuses on improving diagnostic methods and understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases including fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations. I am interested in advancing medical mycology through the implementation of novel diagnostic technologies, antifungal susceptibility testing, and molecular techniques to enhance accuracy and turnaround times. Additionally, I aim to investigate antifungal resistance patterns and develop strategies to optimize patient management.

Dr Jolly Musoke is a Scientist in the Department of Medical Microbiology at Universitas, University of the Free State, South Africa. She obtained her PhD from the University of Pretoria in 2016. Dr Musoke’s research interests focus on One Health and antimicrobial resistance, with a strong emphasis on advancing diagnostic microbiology, epidemiology and improving laboratory capacity. She is dedicated to enhancing fungal diagnostics and quality assurance in her institution, alongside training postgraduate students and fostering research that addresses pressing clinical and public health challenges.

Frank

Kapungu

lecturer

Academia

Zimbabwe

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Industry engagement, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Outreach, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am interested in Public Health as well as One Health and Development and Humanitarianism. Like Covid 19 has resulted in Humanitarian crisis globally as a result of the challenges caused by a zoonotic disease -Covid 19, communities were left reeling from the impacts of this public health event of international concern. Thus, my interest is on investigating public health issues and their impact on human health , as well as mitigating them when we cannot prevent them. Therefore, I am interested in becoming part of the team that will play a key role in ensuring that the public is protected from emergencies of both biological and chemical origin, however i am more interested in the infectious pathogens because of their easy of spread and as they disproportionately affect the poorly resourced communities. In my current pursuit as a student of medical microbiology, I am especially interested in the important infectious agents such as the fungi of various types and the strains that are resistant to conventional antimicrobials. Thus, my research interest is on those issues such as the infectious pathogens including fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites as a well as the chemical toxins of public health importance. Fighting against these will enhance our opportunities to deal with humanitarian issues and ensuring development by fostering the attainment of sustainable development goals.

My research web page is as below:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tBkp5_0AAAAJ&hl=en

I am a public health professional interested in development and humanitarian issues as well as the One Health. Currently, I am a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe. I hold a Masters degree in Public Health-FETP, Masters Degree in Clinical Biochemistry (Chemical Pathology), and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science Degree. I also hold some post -grad certificates in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management and Humanitarian Assistance. I am interested in ensuring equitable access to health services, prevention of diseases and ensuring a healthy global community through dealing with the problem at its source. This means that such issues as AMR in infectious microbes need to be dealt with at the source to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens from one part of the globe to another. To enhance my skills, therefore, I have enrolled for a Masters degree in Medical Microbiology and I am thus equally interested in assessing and dealing with antimicrobial resistant mycoses. Last but not least, I am interested in learning new things in public health so that I can effectively train, save, and serve others as well as contribute effectively to any future public health emergencies.

Constantine

Mutata

Medical Officials

Academia

Zimbabwe

Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

Therapeutics

Community engagement

Policy advocacy

www.linkedin.com/in/drtendai

Ratherford

Njanji

Medical Scientist/Lecturer

Academia

United States

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

My research spans medical microbiology, genomics, and global health, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), cancer genomics, and infectious disease diagnostics. I integrate molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), to investigate pathogen dynamics and host-microbe interactions. A key aim of my work is to translate molecular and epidemiological data into actionable insights that inform global health policies and improve disease prevention and management in diverse populations, particularly in resource-limited settings.

LinkedIn Profile: https://url1.io/UsSoR

Ratherford Njanji is a Medical Microbiologist and Global Health Policy graduate student with over seven years of experience in clinical diagnostics, molecular research, and academic teaching. His expertise spans antimicrobial resistance (AMR), cancer genomics, infectious disease epidemiology, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications. Njanji’s interdisciplinary research integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and epidemiology to advance diagnostics and personalized medicine, with a focus on infectious diseases like tuberculosis, HPV-related cancers, and bacterial pathogens prevalent in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Currently pursuing an MSc in Global Health Policy and Management with a STEM concentration in Health Economics and Analytics at Brandeis University, he is committed to translating genomic data into impactful health policies and strengthening health systems in resource-limited settings. Njanji has contributed to multiple regional scientific conferences and collaborates with research groups focused on cancer genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and public health innovation.

He welcomes collaborations with researchers, policy-makers, and institutions aiming to address complex global health challenges through genomic and data-driven solutions.

Miss

KILLA

CLARIS

Medical Microbiologist

Academia

Cameroon

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops

My first area of interest in mycology is Antifungal resistance which studies the different mechanisms through which fungi acquires resistance to antifungal drugs especially as this is a growing concern with the advent of antimicrobial resistance which will be a threat and disastrous to human existence if nothing is done by 2030 to curb it.

My second area of interest is host pathogen interactions which gives insight on the interactions between fungi and the human immune system and the influences of these interactions on how disease develops and progresses

KILLA Claris is a current 4th year Phd student and a Biomedical scientist at the National public health laboratory Yaounde Cameroon.

KILLA was born in Kumbo, Bamenda, Cameroon on November 5th 1981. She obtained her Advanced level sciences in June 2000 where she had highest performance, obtained her bachelors degree in Biochemistry from the University of Yaounde 1 in June 2007, Higher professional Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences in 2011 from Saint Louis University Institute of Health and Biomedical Sciences Bamenda with a distinction, Masters in Health Sciences in 2015 from the Catholic University of Central Africa, Masters in Medical Microbiology with a distinction from the Doctoral school of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaounde 1 in 2021.

Alongside her training KILLA did a series of voluntary work, such as at the Quality Health care Unit in Caramba Yaounde where she assisted in vaccinating children and pregnant women, did community work in educating the population on safe health practices to prevent disease, and assisted in a series of vaccination campaigns against poliomyelitis in 2008.

KILLA was the best candidate by order of merit in the state launched exams for the recruitment of Biomedical technicians into the public service of the Ministry of Public Health in 2014 in Yaounde Cameroon, she was the head of the medical laboratory at her first duty post at the Yabassi district Hospital where she faithfully served for three and a half years before being transferred to the National Public Health Laboratory where she is currently a Biomedical scientist, Quality assurance focal person and antimicrobial resistant focal person of the Microbiology laboratory.

KILLA’s current duties are; conducting laboratory tests, analyzing and interpreting results, maintaining and calibrating equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, developing and validating new methods, maintaining accurate records, supervision and training junior staff and interns, participating in research and development in order to contribute to scientific studies and advancements in medical knowledge.

KILLA has a passion for research. Interested in building research networks, participates in international and or local conferences, workshops and seminars. KILLA has had three national awards for academic excellence and two international academic scholarships, has 4 publications, is interested in creating a positive impact in the research and health fields so she can equally hand over the mandate to upcoming young researchers.

Miss

Rosemary

Mosweu

MSc in Medical Microbiology Student

Academia

Zambia

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

As an MSc Medical Microbiology student with a strong interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), I am eager to deepen my understanding of antifungal resistance. I aim to explore the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that drive resistance, investigate emerging resistance trends in clinical settings, and assess strategies to improve detection and treatment. I aim to contribute to the global fight against AMR (fungal pathogens included) by supporting innovations that lead to better patient outcomes.

I am Rosemary Mosweu, an MSc Medical Microbiology student in my final year, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (2020). I am driven by a passion for tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a growing focus on antifungal resistance.

My research interests center on understanding the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that drive resistance in clinical settings. I am particularly interested in improving detection methods, guiding targeted treatments, and developing strategies to slow the spread of resistant pathogens.

Beyond my studies, I am keen to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and innovators who share the urgency of addressing AMR. I believe that meaningful progress against resistant pathogens comes from combining expertise, sharing knowledge, and working together towards lasting solutions.

Miss

Thuto Vanessa

Dirakano

Student

Academia

Zambia

Biomarkers and Diagnostics

I am interested in conducting research on fungal pathogens that cause upper respiratory infections. I once came across a patient throat swab that was laced with fungus when assessed on a slide by gram stain the patient had a sore throat and had been coughing for some time and TB was the differential diagnosis . This was a private lab that did not have the necessary equipment to do any further genetic testing. I still think about it now 3 years later. I would like to take the lead and be a pioneer on fungal genetic testing in Botswana and as a woman. My country is also burdened with HIV, which means that fungal infections with Cryptococcus neoformans are common. In public hospitals the CrAg test is used to confirm the diagnosis. I think that being a member of this organization would increase my knowledge and skills when dealing with fungal pathogens and I can then bring the knowledge acquired from seminars and classes to my country and help save lives .

I am currently pursuing my masters degree in Medical Parasitology, a two year program at the prestigious University of Zambia. My main areas of interest are antimalarial drug resistance. I am currently attached at the National Malaria Elimination Center in Zambia. A research laboratory that provides technical support in the fight against malaria. They conduct malaria indicator surveys where samples are collected all across the country and perform genetic testing and sequencing as well as slide reading. Prior to attending school in Zambia where I currently reside, I worked in a private laboratory for two years in my home country Botswana where I gained knowledge on molecular testing, chemistry analysis, endocrinology tests, serological testing and microbiology. I learned a lot about stock management and communicating with suppliers and also coming up with solutions in case there were any delays on deliveries of stock. During this period I also took part in preparing for a laboratory audit, this included the daily maintenance of laboratory equipment and running of controls across all machines, culture media and laboratory equipment, running of external quality assessment (EQA) from RIQAS, BNQUAL and the national research laboratory. I was in charge of in house verification of serology test kits.

Siesta

Rashopole

Pathologist

Academia

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida

Prevalence of Candidaemia and the antifungall susceptibility profile with focus on Candida auris

I am a pathologist working at NHLS/ Sefako Makgatho university. I completed my MBCHB at Sefako Makgatho University in 2004 and my MMEd /FCPath in 2023. I have an interest in mycology.

Miss

Rodiat

Mahmood Loke

Researcher

Academia

Nigeria

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Vaccine development

My Research interest is in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised individuals using lateral flow assays (LFAs), it revolves around the determining the prevalence of the condition but the main goal is to develop cost effective rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use diagnostic tools (LFA) that can lead to faster treatment and improved patient outcomes.

I am a researcher with a growing interest in fungi and their impact on human and animal health, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance.

I am currently working on a project examining Aspergillosis in TB/HIV co-infection, focusing on its public health implications, diagnostic challenges, and potential links to antifungal resistance.

My recent work and study experiences have strengthened my skills in literature synthesis, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving capabilities, I aim to apply to fungal research.

Meeting_Alina

Goldberg

Research Associate

United Kingdom

Candida

In October, I will begin a project examining how ageing influences stress tolerance in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. The aim is to understand the mechanisms by which C. albicans exploits the ageing process to withstand the stresses encountered in the mammalian host and to promote antifungal drug resistance.

I am a molecular and cell biologist with extensive experience in microbial pathogenesis, biofilm biology, and biochemical characterisation of macromolecules. I obtained my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Buenos Aires and have since worked in research groups at Newcastle University on projects spanning parasitology, plant stress responses, and oral microbiology.

My current research focuses on oral biofilms, with a particular interest in the complex polymers that make up their extracellular matrix. Using in vitro and in vivo biofilm models, MicroArray Polymer Profiling (MAPP), and advanced microscopy, I characterise matrix components and explore their roles in biofilm stability and pathogenicity.

In previous work, I investigated how acetylcholine analogues influence Candida albicans biofilm formation, applying CRISPR editing and quantitative biofilm assays to study biofilm mass and structure

In October, I will begin a project examining how ageing influences stress tolerance in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. The aim is to understand the mechanisms by which C. albicans exploits the ageing process to withstand the stresses encountered in the mammalian host and to promote antifungal drug resistance.

Dr.

Mark

Gresnigt

Junior Research Group Leader

Academia

Germany

Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Microbial Pathogenesis

My Lab’s research is centered on the adaptive pathogenicity of Candida species, particularly how these fungi sense host environmental cues and modulate their virulence accordingly to avoid immune recognition or manage to escape innate immune cells. My lab combines live-cell imaging and organ-on-chip models to dissect microbial-host-microbiota interactions in real time. Our work also encompasses immune cell metabolism, evolutionary adaptation of fungal pathogens, and immune evasion strategies. Collectively, my lab aims to unravel the molecular underpinnings of fungal adaptability and immunology of fungal infections, with implications for new antifungal and immunotherapeutic strategies.

https://www.leibniz-hki.de/en/adaptive-pathogenicity-strategies.html

I lead the Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies group at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) in Jena, Germany. My research focuses on understanding how Candida species exploit host environmental as cues transition between harmless commensals and dangerous pathogens in response that can efficiently evade innate immune cells.

To this end my team combines microbiology, immunology, live-cell imaging, and advanced organ-on-chip systems to unravel immunology of fungal infections, and fungal adaptation within the host environment context. We have shown, for example, how the human blood protein albumin can unexpectedly reprogram fungal metabolism and virulence.

I am particularly interested in collaborative projects that link immunology of fungal infections with (novel) antimicrobial therapies. Particularly since antifungal treatment and the host immune system will work in concert to clear fungal infections. Our live-imaging approaches and physiologically relevant in vitro infection models offer powerful platforms for testing antifungal compounds, immune interventions, or complex host–microbe interactions.

By integrating diverse expertise across microbiology, immunology, and clinically applicable research, I aim to develop strategies that improve efficiency of innate immune cells to mediate clearance of infection, ultimately helping to improve treatment of invasive fungal infections.

Sharareh

Bordbari

Research associate

Academia

Germany

AI/new tools, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Omics, Vaccine development

Immunology, Hematology

I am an enthusiastic biologist with overall lab experience especially in immunology and immuno-oncology research. Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail who enjoys teamwork and is able to learn quickly and put new ideas forward.

Professor

Lovemore

Gwanzura

teaching anf research

Academia

Zimbabwe

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

I am interested in theAI and new tools for diagnostics i dentificationuder one health and Education while, aspects of pathogenesis through id of virulence factors and further genomic as we interact in the host parasite re;latrionship as we moveinto the one health and education era

Curriculum Vitae

PROFESSOR LOVEMORE GWANZURA, B Sc. Mphil, MMedSc, PHD

Prof.. Lovemore Gwanzura is a global health professional with over twenty years of experience as a professor at the College of Health Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe. With technical expertise in clinical microbiology, serological and DNA techniques, molecular biology diagnostics, laboratory management, clinical epidemiology, general Biostatistics and opportunistic infections (OI) in HIV/AIDs clients; Professor Gwanzura has a long track record in research and collaboration with international universities including Stanford University, Denver Health Sciences College, University of California at San Diego, University of Michigan, Boston University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the United States; Amsterdam University and Utrecht Medical School in Holland; University of Zambia Medical School; University of Sassari Medical School in Sardinia in Italy, and many others. With a passion in paradigm of personalised medicine, nutrition and life style, Professor Gwanzura has a vision of sustainable academic, and technological based, health and family care worldwide. His key areas of interest include; life science education, diagnosis, research and communication in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa Developing Countries (SADC).

Margaret

Mokomane

Senior Lecturer

Academia

Botswana

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Working with industry

https://www.ub.bw/connect/staff/11486

Motivation for Mycology Training

Dr Margaret Mokomane

I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist with speciality in Clinical Microbiology. I hold a PhD in Medical Science and currently works for the University of Botswana as a Senior Lecturer. One of the courses that I teach is Medical Mycology, which is offered to final year BSc Medical Laboratory Sciences students. I see this as an opportunity to instil the skills and competencies required for accurate laboratory diagnosis of fungal pathogens. Some of the modules include specimen collection, microscopic examination, isolation, and culture interpretation of fungal isolates. I also occasionally provide teaching to medical students as a guest lecture

I worked for the Ministry of Health for over 22 years, 17 of which I spent managing Microbiology laboratories at the National Health Laboratory, as well as overseeing national Microbiology activities. Some of these activities included running the mycology laboratory at the National Health Laboratory. One of the biggest challenges I encountered was lack of skills among laboratory personnel to accurately identify fungi. Due to this challenge, I therefore decided to close this gap by ensuring provision of a robust pre-service mycology training.

On the research front, I have been engaged in some mycology activities with international collaborators, e.g., through GAFFI (Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections), some of which resulted in research publications. I continue to engage my students in mycology research activities. I have had undergraduate students carrying out projects on antifungal susceptibility testing due to the emerging antifungal resistance, particularly among the emerging fungi like Candida auris and other Candida spp.

Due to my role as a Clinical Microbiologist with expertise in mycology, the laboratory services in the Ministry of Health often engage me in during trainings / workshops or any other activities that require mycology expertise. I also provide services to one of the biggest private laboratories in the country, and often get consulted by colleagues in the country.

Therefore, this training will provide me with the critical and requisite knowledge, competencies and skills that would boost my expertise so that I become even more resourceful to both students and the community. Sessions on antifungal drugs, molecular techniques like sequencing, and just learning about the FAILSAFE and Network initiative, as well as the Clinical Trials and implementation studies in Africa, are of great interest to me. I look forward to the practical sessions which I believe will provide hands-on experiences that will enhance my skills and make it easier for me to transfer these to those I interact with.

Chazya Kenny

Simumba

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Commercial Organisation

Zambia

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, Other spp., Patient engagement

My research focuses on Candida auris and Candida parapsilosis, two emerging fungal pathogens of major clinical concern. With C. auris, I am particularly interested in its multidrug resistance, persistence in hospital environments, and the mechanisms that allow it to form biofilms, survive on surfaces, and spread during outbreaks, as well as the need for improved diagnostics and treatment strategies. For C. parapsilosis, my work emphasizes its role in catheter- and device-associated infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as neonates, and explores how its ability to form biofilms, transmit clonally in hospital settings, and utilize virulence factors like lipase activity and adhesion contribute to its pathogenicity. Overall, my research aims to deepen understanding of their resistance, epidemiology, and virulence in order to inform better approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

I am a Medical Laboratory Technologist currently working at the Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory (ZNPHRL), where I have served since 2020. Over the years, I have held various responsibilities including Supervisor in the Molecular Unit, Laboratory Administrator In-Charge, and Team Lead for the Environmental Surveillance Unit. Additionally, I mentor colleagues in Microbiology and contribute as a member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for One Health in Zambia. Prior to my current role, I worked for over two years at the National Food Laboratory in the Water Chemistry, Microbiology, and Food Chemistry Units, gaining a wide scope of experience in food safety and quality testing.

My professional journey has exposed me to diverse laboratory systems, and I have developed strong expertise in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), quality management, and the implementation of ISO 17025:2017 standards, which are currently applied at ZNPHRL. Despite this background, I am eager to broaden my knowledge through this course, particularly in strengthening quality systems approaches that integrate human, animal, and environmental health—a central pillar of the One Health framework.

The skills I acquire will directly benefit my institution by reinforcing our existing Quality Management System (QMS), improving laboratory performance, and ensuring sustainable compliance with international standards. Furthermore, I intend to share the knowledge gained with colleagues and mentees, thereby multiplying the impact within my laboratory and beyond.

Ms.

Charlotte

Zemba

Laboratory Scientific Officer

Commercial Organisation

Zambia

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research interests focuses on improving the diagnosis of emerging and multidrug-resistant Candida species, with a particular emphasis on Candida auris and other non-albicans Candida spp. These pathogens pose significant challenges due to their ability to cause invasive infections, persist in healthcare environments, and resist multiple classes of antifungal agents. Early and accurate identification is critical for effective treatment and infection control, yet current diagnostic methods often lack sensitivity, specificity, or speed.

I am a Laboratory Scientific Officer at the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), where I contribute to safeguarding the country’s public health by providing essential data and expertise to inform disease prevention and control interventions. I hold a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Zambia and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the Copperbelt University. My academic background equips me with a robust understanding of disease dynamics and public health strategies. I am actively involved in the Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Surveillance Project, a collaborative initiative supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This project focuses on enhancing surveillance at select sentinel sites across Zambia, aiming to identify AGE trends and inform targeted public health interventions. Additionally, I participate in national efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through mentorship programs. These initiatives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and international partners, aim to improve laboratory capacity, promote antimicrobial stewardship, and implement quality management systems across Zambia’s public health laboratories. My professional endeavors are driven by a commitment to integrating scientific evidence into policy formulation, thereby enhancing public health outcomes in Zambia.

Mr.

Tumusiime

Jacob

C.E.O

Commercial Organisation

Uganda

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

https://probitybioresearch.com/providers/

My research focuses at utilization of pharmacognosy to counter mycological challenges.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tumusiime-jacob?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

The website of my company is probitybioresearch.com . We focus at pharmacognosy to provide solutions to microbial challenges.

Maclean

Ndovie

medical officer

Academia

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Malawi

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am a medical doctor currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Internal Medicine at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. While I do not yet have research experience in the field of medical mycology, I am deeply interested in learning more and actively developing research skills in this area. I am particularly motivated by the growing burden of fungal infections in clinical practice and the urgent need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

I am a medical doctor currently undertaking postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Malawi. I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in HIV Medicine from the same institution. My clinical experience has strengthened my interest in infectious diseases, particularly fungal infections affecting immunocompromised patients. Although I do not yet have research experience in medical mycology, I am eager to build capacity in this field through hands-on training, mentorship, and collaboration. I am particularly interested in improving the diagnosis and management of fungal infections in low-resource settings. I look forward to engaging with the FAILSAFE community to contribute to research and clinical practice in medical mycology.

Bonita

Van der Westhuizen

Senior Pathologist and Lecturer

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Fungal epidemiology and diagnostics.

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v39i1.630

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajo.v9i0.322

http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/crip/3227863

I am a clinical microbiologist with a focused research interest in medical mycology. My academic journey in this field began with my MMed degree, where I investigated the local epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes associated with culture-positive mold infections. Building on this foundation, I expanded my research to high-risk populations, particularly individuals with hematological conditions and HIV infection.

In addition to broader epidemiological work, I have contributed to case-based literature, including the first reported case of Saksenaea oblongispora rhinosinusitis in sub-Saharan Africa and the first description of this infection in an HIV-positive patient. Through this work, I have developed a strong curiosity in both clinical and laboratory aspects of fungal infections, with a particular interest in improving diagnosis and outcomes in resource-limited settings.

I have published 3 articles thus far related to fungal infections. I have also embarked on my PhD this year, researching invasive mold infections.

I am eager to further my knowledge and skills in mycology through this course, with the goal of advancing clinical care, diagnostics, and research capacity in fungal diseases.

Nonkululeko

Mntla

Clinical Microbiologist

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics

Management of fungal infections in critically ill patients

Nonkululeko is a qualified Clinical Microbiologist working at the PathCare Vermaak laboratory practice since completing her training at the University of the Witwatersrand. She also holds a postgraduate Diploma in HIV Management. She is passionate about the management of infectious diseases, including hospital-acquired infections and infections associated with HIV. She is enthusiastic about teaching Microbiology and continues to lecture and mentor postgraduate students at WITS. She is also a member of a podcast team “Microbe Mail” that aims to educate a variety of listeners on infectious diseases.

Mr.

Muhammad Hassan

Raza

Student

Academia

University of the Punjab

Pakistan

Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test

Precision regenerative medicine

Pieter Anton

Ekermans

Head of Department

Commercial Organisation

AMPATH Laboratories, South Africa

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Immunology, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Sporothrix

I work in a routine laboratory. We offer microbiology testing – both culture-based and molecular-based as well as serological-based.

Additionally, we have a mycobacteriology laboratory (BSL3 facility).

I trained in clinical pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. For the last 10 years I have worked in private practice in a routine laboratory (AMPATH Private Pathologists). In the infectious diseases space, we offer both culture-based testing and molecular-based testing. Our laboratory further has an extensive immunology/serology department (covering infection-related and non-infection-related testing).

Dipika

Shaw

Assistant Professor

Academia

Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC)

India

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement

My research focuses on clinical and molecular mycology, with a particular emphasis on fungal diagnostics, resistance mechanisms, and antifungal stewardship. I study dermatophytes, especially Trichophyton indotineae, exploring their epidemiology, genetic resistance determinants, and therapeutic challenges. My work also includes investigations on Candida tropicalis, focusing on molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance and the development of improved diagnostic approaches. I aim to enhance laboratory capabilities for invasive fungal infections such as Aspergillus and Mucorales, addressing culture-negative cases through molecular taxonomy and next-generation sequencing. My goal is to integrate advanced molecular methods and antifungal stewardship practices to improve patient outcomes and support infection control strategies.

Dr. Dipika Shaw is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi, Maharashtra, India, where she leads the Mycology Laboratory. Her research focuses on clinical and molecular mycology, with special interest in fungal diagnostics, resistance mechanisms, and antifungal stewardship.

She has contributed extensively to understanding the global emergence of Trichophyton indotineae, its resistance determinants, and treatment challenges, along with investigating molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in Candida tropicalis. Her work includes protocol development for MALDI-TOF MS identification, sequencing-based taxonomy, and antifungal susceptibility testing.

Dr. Shaw is currently expanding her research to include advanced molecular methods, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), for improved diagnosis of invasive fungal infections such as Aspergillus and Mucorales. She also works on bacterial pathogens, focusing on carbapenemase-resistant Klebsiella and Escherichia coli.

With over 30 peer-reviewed publications, she is keen to collaborate on projects in fungal pathogenesis, resistance surveillance, diagnostic innovation, and antifungal stewardship to improve patient outcomes.

Lethukuthula

Zondi

Research Nurse

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Patient engagement

My research interests include infectious disease epidemiology, with experience in outbreak investigation, surveillance, diagnostics, and patient cohort analyses to understand the drivers of hospitalisation and mortality. I also have a growing interest in mental health epidemiology, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations, and in exploring how social and environmental determinants influence health outcomes. In addition, I enjoy applying data analysis and innovative tools to strengthen public health surveillance, inform decision-making, and improve health system preparedness.

Lethukuthula Zondi is a research nurse and trained field epidemiologist with a background in nursing and a Master’s in Field Epidemiology from the University of the Witwatersrand. She has experience working in various clinical and research settings as a clinician. She also has experience working in the Mpumalanga Provincial Public Health Directorate, where he contributed to outbreak investigations, data analysis, epidemiological studies, and the training of health professionals. Her research interests include infectious disease epidemiology, with a focus on strengthening surveillance systems and, data-driven analysis. She also has a growing interest in mental health epidemiology, particularly in understanding how social and environmental determinants influence outcomes among youth and other vulnerable populations.

Mr.

Rollin

Ndombe

MSF laboratory manager

Médecin sans frontière (DRC)

Congo

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Outreach

I’m currently working in a laboratory that analyzes samples from people living with HIV AIDS. I would like to deepen my knowledge in diseases caused by fungi ( candidiasis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis) in people living with HIV AIDS. The diagnosis of these pathologies is not well developed in our laboratory. This training will contribute enormously to improving patient care.

Research in the field of mycology is less developed , especially in sub-Saharan countries. In our universities, this field is still untouched and could be of interests to many researchers in pathologies such aspergillosis, histoplasmosis…

Mrs.

Aniebiet

Ogbebor

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Commercial Organisation

University of Benin

Nigeria

Microbial Pathogenesis

My main research interests is particularly on yeast other than Candida, non-Aspergillus moulds and dimorphic fungi

I am Aniebiet Adolphus Ogbebor. I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist from Nigeria. I had my Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) from the University of Calabar. I obtained my MSc in Medical Bacteriology and Mycology from the University of Benin. I am currently working in the Medical Microbiology Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital where I am the Laboratory Focal Person for Mycology. I am proficient across areas in Medical Microbiology but with special interests in fungal studies. As the focal person for Mycology, I work to isolate and identify fungal organisms and spores and gather relevant data for local and national disease surveillance. I also help to train staff and students in various aspects of Bacteriology and Mycology.

My main research interests is particularly on yeast other than Candida, non-Aspergillus moulds and dimorphic fungi.

I have a strong desire for personal growth and development as seen in my drive to learn new skills, network with people who can increase my expertise and attend events that can expose me to cutting edge technologies and current approaches to solving problems.

I have good communication skills and believe in the power of team work and diversity.

I am happily married with three children. My hobbies are reading,cooking and spending time with my family and loved ones.

Abdulhakeem Adebayo

Yusuf

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Academia

Other/institution not listed

Nigeria

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient engagement

I’m a passionate researchers in the following arreas

1. Aspergillosis epidemiology: Studying the distribution and determinants of aspergillosis, a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species.

2. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing: Investigating the effectiveness of antifungal agents against fungal pathogens.

3. Molecular biology: Applying molecular techniques to understand fungal biology and pathogenesis.

4. Bioinformatics: Using computational tools to analyze and interpret biological data related to fungal infections.

I’m a seasoned Medical Laboratory Scientist with over 25 years of clinical laboratory experience. Holding a PhD in Medical Mycology, my research expertise lies in aspergillosis epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. I’ve contributed to research projects on Candida and Histoplasmin, further expanding my knowledge in fungal pathogens.

My passion for understanding the complexities of fungal infections drives my research endeavors. I’m committed to advancing the field of medical mycology through rigorous scientific inquiry and collaboration. I’m excited to connect with fellow researchers and potential collaborators who share similar interests and goals. Let’s work together to unravel the intricacies of fungal diseases and improve patient outcomes.

Maroua

MILIANI

Lecturer

Academia

Université Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen

Algeria

Antigen, Immunotherapies, Omics, Vaccine development

My research interests focus on immunomodulation, cancer immunity, and the development of novel cancer vaccines. I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms of immune plasticity in the tumor microenvironment and in exploring innovative strategies to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maroua-Miliani

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=fr&user=qRi5tfUAAAAJ

I am Dr. Maroua Miliani, a Lecturer at the University of Tlemcen (Algeria). I hold a PhD in Immunology and have over a decade of experience in teaching and research in the fields of cancer immunology, immunomodulation, and cancer vaccines. My research focuses on the role of immune plasticity in cancer progression and therapeutic response, with a particular interest in the development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies.

I am highly motivated to foster international collaborations and to apply interdisciplinary strategies combining immunology, molecular biology, and computational approaches to address challenges in cancer research.

Emily

Prendergast

Research Clinician

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Cryptococcus, Patient engagement

HIV-associated cryptococcal disease

Advanced HIV disease

Dr Emily Prendergast is the Lead Clinician of ADVANCE GERMS-SA investigating severe bacterial and fungal infections in hospitalised people living with advanced HIV disease in South Africa. Emily also conducts qualitative research focussing on barriers to care for patients living with HIV-associated cryptococcal disease in South Africa and regularly meets with an ‘Expert Patient Group’ in Johannesburg who advise how to raise awareness of prevention and treatment strategies for HIV-related infections among at-risk communities.

Mrs

Tricia

Majinjiwa

Medical lab scientist

Academia

University of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Virulence factors

My main research interests are in antifungal susceptibility. To raise awareness on antifungal resistance and the critical role played by the lab in slowing down resistance. To know through research the antifungal available and how the tests can be done in laboritories in low income countries.

I am currently working on a mycoremediation research, isolating fungi from plants found in wetlands and determining their antibacterial properties. I am also part of a study investigating fungal infections in TB patients with a thrust on the resistance profiles of the isolated fungi.

My name is Tricia Majinjiwa, a research and medical scientist at the University of Zimbabwe, faculty of medicine and health sciences. I have a masters degree in Medical Microbiology, a BSc honours in Biotechnology, a diploma in applied biotechnology, a certificate in science and technology. I have also attained some certificates in the field: a certificate for facilitating a mycology training, good clinical practice, environmental surveillance of polio virus, surveillance and Control of Rabbies in Africa, Biosafety and Biosecurity.

I have had to the honour of being part of three publication namely: __Cryptococcus neoformans population diversity and clinical outcomes of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis patients in Zimbabwe_

This was done in 2016

Other publication are in other disciplines of Microbiology . I have worked in the mycology laboratory for over 10 years, culturing and identifying different fungi from various sites of the human body. I currently head our mycology laboratory. I have had the honour of receiving mentorship in mycology and Microbiology as a whole from various professors in my department. I have successfully been part of mycology EQAs panels for mounds and yeast identification.

KOUASSI FRANCIS

KOUADJO

PhD Student

Academia

PASTEUR INSITUTE OF COTE D’IVOIRE

Côte d’Ivoire

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Virulence factors, Working with industry

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8709-3283

NURSE

NAFITAL

Francisco

IPC MANAGER

Commercial Organisation

Universidad Católica de Manizales

Mozambique

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My main research interests focus on the implementation and clinical outcomes of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, particularly in people living with HIV. I am also engaged in broader research on antimicrobial resistance, with an emphasis on its impact on treatment strategies for opportunistic infections in immunocompromised populations.

I am a nurse, graduated from the Catholic University of Mozambique, and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health at the same institution. I also hold a postgraduate qualification in Infection Prevention and Control, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance.

Currently, I work as an Infection Prevention and Control Manager at the Central Hospital of Beira, where I contribute to improving healthcare protocols and minimizing infection risks. I am also a co-investigator in the “Ambione” study, a clinical research project based in Beira, aimed at enhancing treatment strategies for cryptococcal meningitis, especially in HIV-infected patients.

My research interests primarily revolve around the implementation of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, with a particular focus on its impact on HIV-positive populations. In addition, I am deeply engaged in studying antimicrobial resistance and its consequences for the management of infectious diseases.

I am passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and research, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and strengthening infection control practices in Mozambique and beyond.

Marius Paulin

Kuate Ngouanom

PhD student

Academia

University of Buea

Cameroon

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient engagement

www.linkedin.com/in/marius-paulin-kuate-ngouanom-433292b5

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marius-Paulin-Kuate-Ngouanom?ev=hdr_xprf

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/ACY-0577-2022

Kuate Ngouanom Marius Paulin is a Cameroonian Medical Laboratory Scientist and Medical Microbiologist with a strong background in medical mycology. Over the past several years, I have devoted my research to understanding fungal infections such as histoplasmosis and aspergillosis, especially in people living with HIV/AIDS. I have combined laboratory-based studies with clinical investigations, leading to practical insights into the diagnosis of fungal diseases in resource-limited settings.

I have managed and contributed to several research projects, including studies on antigen detection and molecular techniques for the early diagnosis of histoplasmosis, as well as investigations into fungal and tuberculosis co-infections. Data are published in international journals and presented at major scientific meetings, including ECCMID (online).

Beyond research, I am actively involved in teaching medical microbiology at higher education institutions in Cameroon. My contributions have been recognized through competitive fellowships and research grants, among them awards from the Fungal Infection Trust, ECCMID, and the Aspergillosis Trust. I am also a current member of ESCMID and former member of ISHAM, and ASTMH.

Miss

Matjepe

Ngoasheng

MSc. student

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Vaccine development

My main research interests focus on Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans. Specifically, the enzymes involved in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Ergosterol biosynthesis is crucial for the proliferation of fungi due to multiple factors, including its immunoactive properties. As a result, studying the enzymes involved in this pathway allows me to understand their biochemical properties, making them potential drug targets.

Matjepe Ngoasheng is currently an MSc. student majoring in Biochemistry, in the Structure-Based Drug Discovery research group, at the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, South Africa. She obtained her undergraduate degree with distinction, majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology in 2023, at the University of the Free State. In 2024, she obtained her BSc. honours degree majoring in Biochemistry at the same institution. She is also a practical demonstrator for the second year undergraduate Biochemistry modules, and engages in open days, where she enlightens high school learners more about science.

Mirriam

Kaonga

Laboratory Scientific Officer

Commercial Organisation

Zambia National Public Health Institute

Zambia

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My research focuses on fungal pathogens, their epidemiology, and the development of innovative diagnostics and treatments to address fungal infections and anti-fungal resistance (AFR), particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). I am committed to advancing microbial pathogenesis research within a One Health framework and developing affordable, context-specific solutions through global collaborations with academia, industry, and government. I look forward to learning more about biomarker discovery, diagnostic innovation, and product development to support accessible healthcare in underserved regions.

I am a researcher specializing in medical mycology with a strong focus on fungal pathogens, their epidemiology, and the growing challenge of anti-fungal resistance (AFR). My work is grounded in a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health in the emergence and spread of fungal diseases. I am particularly committed to developing innovative, affordable, and context-specific diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), where the burden of fungal infections is often greatest.

I work closely with academic, industry, and governmental partners to support the development and commercialization of interventions that are both accessible and scalable in resource-limited settings.

With a strong interest in translational research and global health, I am keen to collaborate across disciplines and sectors to strengthen international partnerships, secure sustainable funding, and accelerate the impact of fungal disease research. I look forward to opportunities to work with other FAILSAFE members to advance shared goals in combating AFR and improving outcomes for affected populations worldwide.

Lebogang

Moukangwe

Researcher

Academia

University of the Free State

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Lateral Flow test

I am a PhD candidate in Microbiology with research interests in microbial interactions, host immune responses, and fungal pathogenesis. My work focuses on Candida albicans and Cryptococcus species, including antifungal susceptibility and potential therapeutic targets, with a braoder focus on the WHO priority pathogenic yeasts (critical group).

I am a microbiologist and PhD candidate with expertise in microbial culture methods, molecular techniques, and fungal pathogen identification. My current research investigates the patho-biology of Naganishia albida (formerly Cryptococcus albidus), focusing on its interactions with the host immune system, antifungal susceptibility, and potential therapeutic targets.

My broader interests include pathogenic yeasts in the WHO fungal priority pathogens list, particularly mechanisms of pathogenesis and host–pathogen dynamics. I aim to link fundamental microbiology with clinically relevant outcomes to address the growing burden of invasive fungal infections.

I am also committed to collaboration across microbiology, immunology, and clinical sciences, with the goal of advancing innovative approaches to fungal disease management.

Nesma

Ahmed

Assistant Lecturer

Academia

Alexandria University

Egypt

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Virulence factors

– Invasive fungal infection

– Fungal diagnostics

– Host-pathogen interactions and fungal pathogenesis

– Antifungal susceptibility and resistance pattern

links:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nesma-Esam

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1956-9861

I work as a microbiology assistant lecturer in addition to pursuing a PhD degree in diagnostic and molecular microbiology.

I have completed my master’s degree in the same field with a thesis focusing on acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID-19 and immunocompromised patients.

I have been accepted in Dr. Sixto Leal, Jr., MD, PhD lab in the Department of Pathology at The University of Alabama at Birmingham to pursue USAID fellowship training for 4 months in 2023. I gained experience through training on techniques related to fungal diagnostics, phenotypic and molecular identification. I learned about lab organization, sample processing, culture systems, reporting, lab safety, and other best practices. I attended Mycology Sign-Outs, practiced identifying fungi in clinical samples using colony and microscopic morphology as well as with PCR and ITS sequencing. I established a clinical mycology tape prep study set, took many photos of fungal pathogens for educational and training purposes. I have received hands-on practical training on antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts and molds utilizing both the CLSI M27 reference method and TREK Sensititre microbroth dilution systems. I also successfully executed the validation of a novel Etest susceptibility testing method for yeasts. These validations are complex requiring a high level of technical and scientific skill.

At my institute, I have seven years of experience in routine serological, molecular, and microbiology lab examination and diagnosis of clinical samples. I also have experience with BSL-2 operations. I take part in the theoretical and practical teaching of undergraduate and graduate students. I am also participating in the quality assurance and safety management committees, as well as the infection control committee.

My areas of interest in research are as follows:

1. BSL-3 organization, safety, and best practices.

2. Fungal diagnostics.

3. host-microbial factors and interactions that mediate invasive fungal infections.

4. antifungal susceptibility testing and drug monitoring, resistance mechanisms, and discovering new antifungals.

5. Next-generation sequencing, Whole genome, and transcriptome analyses of pathogenic fungi.

Dr.

Jaroslava

Dekkerová

Assistant Professor

Academia

Comenius University in Bratislava

Slovakia

Candida, Host-pathogen interactions, Virulence factors

Our laboratory (Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) has many previous experiences in study of biofilm associated infections. Our main research is focused on study adherence and biofilm development of common Candida sp. fungal pathogens using conventional in vitro techniques however we also compare results with new unconventional methods ex vivo and in vivo to study pathogenesis of Candida infections and inhibition of biofilm development.

During my PhD study, I have spent 5 years with research aimed at Candida species, namely, factors of virulence in Candida albicans – an expression of surface antigens in different stages of biofilm development. I have been also interested in the host-pathogen interaction and immune response to Candida infections with possibility in development of new strategies for treatment of Candida diseases. My research has further dealt with comparison of adherence properties of Candida species in different in vitro or ex vivo model systems in the term of an expression of surface antigens involved in these processes. Study of novel model systems of Candida infections is in my interest as well. After maternity leave, I have come back to science and my research is now focused mainly to study of host-pathogen interactions in biofilms and to study novel approaches to combat single and mixed biofilms of Candida with bacteria from ESKAPE group including photodynamic inactivation of resistant biofilms as well. Furthermore, study of biofilms and application of antifungal therapy in vivo using G. mellonella with focus to immune response of this model system is in my interest as well since this model has been successfully set of in our laboratory.

I have started working as an assistant professor at the Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava since I finished my PhD at the same insititution. I am member of Czechoslovak Society of Microbiology established at FEMS (Federation of European Microbiological Societies, where I was member of main board committee (2019 – 2023) and I am also member of ESCMID (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) and take part in study group for Biofilms (ESGB). During the last half of year (2023) I was also the project manager of H2020 CEMBO project. During PhD study I received 2 grants for young scientists funded by Comenius University in Bratislava and 2 grants for foreign fellowship (FEMS Research grant – 3 months at the Department of Health Science, Universitá Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy; and Fulbright Visiting student research grant – 6 months at the University of Texas at San Antonio, USA). I spent 3 months in the laboratory of Prof. Elisa Borghi in the Universitá Università degli Studi di Milano, where her research group studies Candida infections in recently developed implemented the in vivo model in larvae of G. mellonella. I had supervised six bachelor and three master students, who successfully finished study and currently I am supervising one bachelor and two master students. I have actually 8 CC publications and more than 60 citations (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1860-4588)

Miss

Maryam

Bahreman

Radiobiologist

Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Iran

Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

Well, as a radiobiologist it is vital to know fellow felow cytometery as a practical part of my work wuth cells. I work on a course which was about physics of laboratory instruments, and I got intrested about felow cytometery topic.

Well, I am Maryam bahreman and I hold bachelor’s in medical imaging and studyung master’s in Radiobiology. I am 24 years of age, and have 2 years of working in radiology ward in hispital. I am intrested in modifying image qualities by reducing exposure and doing research on cells Radiobiology.

My future gole is applying as PhD student in neuroscienc and using non ionsing radiation to boost brain function.

Researcher

Alireza

Ebrahimian

Student

Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Iran

AI/new tools, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunotherapies, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Virology and microbiology

Master student virology

DEBORAH

PALACIOS

Physician

Academia

Instituto Nacional de Pediatría

Mexico

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

fungal infections in pediatric immunocompromised patients

I am Deborah Palacios, a pediatric infectious disease specialist working in a reference center in Mexico City. I work in the mycology field, I am in charge of the mycology division and in the Infectious disease department in my hospital. In my center we receive patients from all over the country but especially from the southeast region of the country that is rich with tropical infections as well as tuberculosis and endemic fungal infections such as Histoplasmosis. But we also have a very large population of immunocompromised patients (Hemato-oncology, primary immunodeficiencies, transplant patients, rheumatologic, and so on) that have high risk for fungal infections. In our center, accessibility to diagnostic tests has improved but it is still limited for some diseases. This has helped us identify invasive fungal infections such as aspergillosis, mucormycosis, fusariosis, trichosporon fungemias, histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. I am always interested in becoming part of networks and groups that work and do research for IFIs with medical experts in this field.

SHIVKANYA

FULORIA

SENIOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Academia

Aimst University

Malaysia

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops

• Design, synthesis, and biological screening of anti-infectives, antibiotics, antituberculars, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimalarials, and anticancer agents etc.

• Phytochemical investigation (isolation) and spectral interpretation/characterization of compounds

Presently working as Senior Associate Professor, at Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Malaysia, with an experience of 21 years in academics and research.

Published 05 books (on Spectroscopy, Industrial management, Alternative medicine, Pharmacoeconomics, and Pharmaceutical Industry 4.0), 171 research & review articles (more than 435), 12 patents (Granted), 10 Book Chapters and 03 Massive open online courses (MOOC).

Received 07 research grants (national and international) to explore therapeutics in the field of oral squamous cell carcinoma, dengue, COVID-19, tubulin inhibition, periodontitis, hepatotxicity, and nanoformulations.

Guided 03 B. Pharm, 05 M. Pharm, 02 MSc (Medicine & Biotechnology), and 04 PhD (Biotechnology) research scholars; and presently guiding 04 PhD (Pharmacy & Biotechnology) and 01 MSc (Medicine) research scholars.

For contribution in academics and research was awarded with “Young Pharmacy Teacher award 2022”, by Association of Pharmacy Professionals, in 2022; “NEARPOD Certified educator by NEARPOD”, USA in 2019; “Best presentation award” at ICMCMP, in 2017, Singapore; “Appreciation award” at AIMST university, Malaysia in 2017.

Current research projects emphasizes synthesis and characterization of novel molecules and development of nanoformulations from herbal source and therapeutic agents for the treatment of periodontitis, dengue, Breast cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, periimplantitis and COVID-19.

Dr.

Vijay

Kothari

Faculty

Academia

Nirma University

India

Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Virulence factors, Working with industry

We have a strong track record with respect to research on bacterial pathogens. Recently we have started working with C. albicans, wherein we are trying to establish a worm model of yeast infection (using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model host).

Details or our research can be viewed at:

1. https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=KtRl6p4AAAAJ

2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vijay-Kothari-2

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-kothari-832bb2136

Nimra

Mushtaq

PhD

Academia

The Women University Multan

Pakistan

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Omics, One Health and Education, Other spp., Virulence factors

My main research interests lie in medical and environmental microbiology, with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance, pathogenic fungi, and microbial interactions with nanomaterials. Currently, my PhD research in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics explores the antimicrobial activities of nanoparticles, microbial biofilms, and innovative strategies for pathogen control.I am especially interested in exploring diagnostic methods for early detection of fungal infections in plants and human, as well as understanding how fungi influence plant health, human health, stress tolerance, and growth.

I am Nimra Mushtaq, a PhD researcher in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong interest in medical and environmental microbiology, with a particular focus on fungal interactions with plants and human, especially rice, and the development of diagnostic approaches for early detection of plant fungal pathogens.In addition to plant pathology, my doctoral research explores antimicrobial resistance, microbial biofilms, and nanoparticle-based antimicrobial strategies. I am also intrigued by the potential role of phages in controlling fungal pathogens, a growing area of interest that may offer new biocontrol solutions in both agriculture and medical mycology.I aim to integrate microbiology, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics to create sustainable and innovative solutions for plant health, disease management, and environmental protection.

Through CMM-FAILSAFE, I look forward to knowledge exchange, collaborative opportunities, and contributing to advancements in fungal diagnostics, phage–fungus interactions, and crop protection strategies.

Guillaume

Fouché

Scientific director

Industry

Green Impulse

France

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Virulence factors

We are an Agritech company working on fungicde development with a will to connect the medical area to the agronomic sector to avoid fungicide resistance selection that could impact drug development for human health.

Former pharmacist converted to plant protection, my main field of expertise is fungicide resistance in plant pathogenic species.

I have worked in the French National Institute for Agronomic Research and for different companies in the agroindustry like Bayer or Corteva.

I am now the scientific director of Green Impulse, a French startup that develops new antifungal compounds based on a different technology from what already exists. We aim at helping agriculture but are aware of the necessity to stay close to the field of human health in order to avoid resistance selection in human pathogenic fungi.

Associated Professor

Khadim

DIONGUE

Teacher-Researcher

Academia

Université Cheikh Anta Diop

Senegal

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, One Health and Education, Patient engagement

My research interest includes:

i) Fungal infections, mostly superficial fungal infections notably dermatophytosis, candidiasis and Malassezia infections, as well as mold infections, but also mycetoma, and invasive fungal infections (IFIs);

(ii) Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly the skin related-NTDs such as mycetoma, scabies, leishmaniasis, etc.

(ii) Malaria, especially for the improvement of the the biological diagnosis tools.

Please visit my page for more informations: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Khadim-Diongue?ev=hdr_xprf

I am a pharmacist trained at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odontology at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD) in Senegal. Even before finishing my studies, I passed the competitive exam for hospital residency. As a result, I received training in all the university hospitals as a medical biologist. I completed my training with a diploma in specialized clinical biology. Later, I obtained a diploma in medical mycology from Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. I also earned two master’s degrees, in “biology and control of parasites” and “industrial drug development focused on the pharmaco-chemistry of antifungals,” respectively. I defended my PhD thesis on “Epidemiology, mycology and molecular biology of fungi isolated in Dakar.”

I currently serve as the head of the Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology at the Social Hygiene Institute hospital, which I established in 2022 after the closure of Le Dantec University Hospital for refurbishment. As a senior lecturer in Parasitology and Mycology at UCAD, I oversee the medical mycology course at the Department of Pharmacy. I am actively involved in the field of scientific publishing. I received the international award “André Gouazé prize” offered by the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES), recognising the best candidate during the 21st Competition in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) in November 2022.

My international collaborations included the Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC) in Sudan, the University Hospital Institute for Mediterranean Infections in Marseille, and the Institut Pasteur, etc.

MD, PHD

Paula

Peçanha-Pietrobom

Academia

Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Brazil

Antigen, Aspergillus, Candida, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Other spp.

I am interested in medical mycology, especially regarding endemic mycoses (paracoccidioidomycosis; histoplasmosis) and also fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts (mainly solid organ transplant recipients and peolple living with HIV)

http://lattes.cnpq.br/0207095525826779

Medicine graduation at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (2009-2015). Infectious Diseases specialist by the Federal University of São Paulo (2016-2019), PhD in Medicine (Invasive Candidiasis in Renal Transplant Recipients). Currently working as an Infectious Diseases Consultant at Hospital São Paulo – UNIFESP and responsible for the its Fungal Diseases Outpatient Clinic.

NALUMAGA

PAULINE PETRA

MICROBIOLOGIST

Academia

Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Uganda

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Virulence factors

I am a medical mycologist with research interests at the One Health interface, focusing on the transmission dynamics of fungal pathogens, anti-fungal susceptibility and resistance mechanisms, and also host–pathogen interactions. My work integrates environmental and clinical surveillance to better understand fungal ecology, host immunity, and emerging resistance. The ultimate goal of my research is to inform diagnostics, treatment, and public health interventions for mycoses in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Ms.Nalumaga Pauline Petra is an Assistant Lecturer in Medical Microbiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda, with a growing specialization in Medical Mycology. Her research sits at the One Health interface, with interests in the transmission dynamics of fungal pathogens, antifungal resistance, and host–pathogen interactions.

She has participated in three projects in fungal research to date: one on the epidemiology of oral candidiasis and investigating ERG11 and FKS1 gene mutations in Candida species associated with antifungal resistance. These studies have sparked her commitment to expand mycology research capacity within her department.

Beyond research, Ms. Nalumaga is involved in teaching postgraduate and undergraduate microbiology, and mentoring early-career scientists. Her ultimate goal is to generate knowledge that improves diagnostics, treatment, and public health interventions for mycoses in Sub-Saharan Africa.

She is focused on on international collaborations to strengthen mycology research and surveillance, and welcomes partnerships that can improve laboratory methods, molecular analysis, and One Health approaches to fungal diseases.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1264-4910

Miss

Keira

Gordon

Student

University of Manchester

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Patient cohorts

My research is on host-pathogen interactions and antimicrobial resistance emergence. The pathogen I work with is Aspergillus Fumigatus.

I am an early-career researcher due to begin a PhD next year, focusing on new microfluidic approaches to study immune responses to serious respiratory infections. My interests include antimicrobial resistance, host–pathogen interactions, and the development of innovative tools to better understand lung immunity.

Debprasad

Dutta

Research Scientist

Academia

Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation (MSMF)

India

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Omics, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Working with industry

Neuroinfecion : post-infectious neurological diseases (https://www.msctr.org/integrated-research-on-neuroscience/ )

Dr. Deb is an ambitious Research Scientist actively engaged in Neuroscience Research programs, a multidisciplinary collaboration involving clinicians, scientists, engineers and community health professionals focused on innovative diagnostic and therapeutic developments for neurological disorders, including stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. His role encompasses experimental design, protocol development, laboratory infrastructure management, mentoring of junior researchers, and grant writing.

Dr. Deb earned his PhD in Human Genetics from the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, where he conducted clinical research on the neuroimmune landscaping of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. He was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship to pursue research at the University of Liverpool, UK.

Dr. Deb contributes to flagship projects at MSMF, including:

• “Heart Attack and Stroke Predictability (HASP) Tool”: a consortium study aimed at developing comprehensive vascular risk prediction tools specific to the Indian population, integrating allopathic and Ayurvedic data streams.

• “Stem Cell-Aided Stroke Management Program”: a MSMF-Narayana Health (NH) partnership study exploring mesenchymal stem cells and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for neuroprotection.

He manages the Integrated Research on Neuroscience (IRON) laboratory and serves as Facility In-Charge of our Biosafety Level (BSL)-2 laboratory, playing an energetic role in establishing regulatory-compliant research infrastructure. He actively conducts research administration, including hiring processes, instrument and reagent procurement, stakeholder management, research fund management, and SOP development, showcasing project management abilities.

Dr. Deb has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, presenting his findings at prominent international conferences. He has received prestigious awards, including Best Platform Presenter at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) conference in Colombo and the Developing Country Award from the American Society of Human Genetics. He actively participates in peer review and editorial activities, including serving as a Review Editor for Frontiers in Neurology and coedited a popular science magazine. His membership in national, continental and international scientific bodies such as the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and Asian Council of Science Editors (ACSE), among others, not only exemplifies his determination to advance science but also leverages his candidature weightage for Membership application to a similar learned academy.

Dr. De has supervised Master degree theses and is mentoring research fellows and interns. His passion for science communication and community engagement is evident through his role in motivating Brain Bee-winning students for neuroscience careers at MSMF in 2025. He was an Organizer of TransCon2025 at MSMF, where he received the Best Presenter Award.

Dr.

Bernard

Monjol

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Academia

University of Calabar

Nigeria

Antifungal susceptibility, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Lateral Flow test

I am interested in fungal diagnosis: culture and serological tests

I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist with specialization in Medical Microbiogy, with over a decade practice in Nigeria.

I work with the university of Calabar Teaching Hospital and hold a doctorate degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

Lately, I got more interested in Mycology and I am exploring more into this “neglected” area.

Daniel

Conn

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Broadly interested in microbiology and immunology, with most of my research to date focussing on fungal asthma, predominantly studying the mechanisms by which Aspergillus fumigatus can drive allergic airway inflammation.

Recently, I have also begun assessing a potential novel antifungal target in Aspergillus fumigatus and other major fungal pathogens.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=IQr9CzMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&authuser=1&gmla=AH8HC4x88tX8KfL9czhHVG6qc-DFwdGbMcmmt74v1LREmHjWG1E44Mlr_tcuChgzqqOiXiWC1kGwRvSmFgy1SH2R

I work as a postdoctoral research fellow in the lab of Dr Peter Cook, who I also did my PhD with. My PhD work was largely centred around deciphering the surface motifs on Aspergillus fumigatus spores that drive the allergic airway inflammation which underpins asthma. I used a variety of in vivo murine models and in vitro primary immune cell models to assess this, and ultimately identified a protein which is potentially a key activator of immune cells during anti-Af allergic airway inflammation. As a postdoc now, I am both continuing the work within this project, as well as assessing a potential novel antifungal target in Af and other major fungal pathogens.

Saman

Mohammed

Lecturer- PhD student

Academia

University of Sulaimania (Kurdistan Region)

Iraq

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Other spp.

Dear all,

Research areas of my interest are the prevalence and diagnoses of the fungal infections, and green synthesis, characterization, and biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles, particularly vanadium nanoparticles. My interest is particularly in their antioxidant activity, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer activities and possible mechanisms of action, i.e., induction of the oxidative stress and disruption of the biofilms.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cPTPuyoAAAAJ&hl=en&authuser=1

Throughout my years, I have been especially engaged in projects that revolve around bringing together diverse scholars, professionals, policy makers, and communities to co-design equitable and sustainable solutions. My work often involves facilitating the sharing of knowledge, simplifying complex information into accessible insights, and helping groups close theory and practice divides.

As a FAILSAFE network member, I would be eager to interact with collaborators who share a similar passion for critical thinking, experimentation, and networking that bolsters our collective capacity for thinking our way out of ambiguity. I actively welcome opportunities for cooperation on research, writing, and innovation projects that promise mutually valuable learning and agility.

IRENE

BUENO

Lecturer

University of Bristol

United Kingdom

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Monitoring transmission

https://bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Irene-Bueno%20Padilla-58249b15-9f85-44e5-991a-06b33593bb22/

My research aims to identify and mitigate health threats and potential risks to wildlife (especially birds), humans, and the wider environment through the use of eco-epidemiological methods and risk analysis. My main research strands include: a) analyzing the risks of veterinary pharmaceuticals to avian scavengers; b) studying antimicrobial resistance dynamics in wildlife and the natural environment; c) surveillance of infectious diseases in wild birds. I teach and supervise research projects in the MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation.

I graduated from the University of Cordoba, Spain as a veterinarian. I then specialized in Avian Medicine and Surgery through a 2-year internship and a 3-year residency at The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota (United States). While doing my residency, I completed a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) focused on assessing the risks to public health from wildlife trade. I then earned a PhD in veterinary epidemiology focused on antimicrobial resistance in the natural environment from the University of Minnesota. Before joining the University of Bristol in 2022, I was a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Minnesota working on a range of ecosystem health topics, including antimicrobial resistance in the environment and in wildlife.

https://bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Irene-Bueno%20Padilla-58249b15-9f85-44e5-991a-06b33593bb22/

Dr.

Maryam

Mirlohi

postdoc

Academia

University of Victoria

Canada

Antigen, Biomarker, Immunotherapies

My research focuses on cancer biology, epigenetics, and advanced 3D cell culture models. I am particularly interested in tumorâ€“immune interactions, immunocompetent organoid systems, and the development of xeno-free media and biomaterials for therapeutic applications.

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Victoria in the Laboratory for Innovation in Microengineering (LiME). My research focuses on cancer biology, epigenetics, and 3D immunocompetent models to study tumorâ€“immune interactions. I also work on xeno-free media and biomaterials to advance regenerative medicine and therapeutic development. I am interested in multidisciplinary collaborations bridging biology, engineering, and translational biotechnology.

Prof

May

Soliman

Head of Molecular Microbiology Lab

Academia

Cairo University

Egypt

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Outreach, Virulence factors

We are interested in addressing the antimicrobial resistance in the different fungal pathogens phenotypical and genotypical , as well as the virulence factors. We have issues with candida aureus as well as dermatophytes and aspergillus. We hope to establish our specialized mycology lab, we have a dedicated place remaining are the equipment and infrastructure.

Graduated from Kasr Alainy School of Medicine, Cairo University hospitals excellent grades with honor, class 2003. I currently serve as professor of Microbiology- Clinical and Chemical Pathology department. Head of Molecular Microbiology laboratory of Cairo University Hospital. Published many publications in high impacted international journals in the field of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology; orcid.org/ 0000-0002-2818-0889, Scopus ID: 55774072300. Reviewer for number of international journals. Have experience in the field of microbial genetic sequencing and bioinformatics. Supervised many MD thesis and Master thesis. Acted as co-investigator in a many projects EMARIS project for Surveillance of respiratory viruses in Cairo University Hospitals; the Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Project; STDF capacity building project entitled â€œEstablishing a Reference Laboratory for Rapid Diagnosis of Emerging Infections and Investigation of Outbreaks; Pfizer Project entitled “Detection of the rates of nasopharyngeal carriage and serotypes of Streptococcus Pneumonae in Egyptian Children less than five years”; Developing the Central Molecular Biology Laboratory in the Department of Clinical Pathology at Cairo University Hospitals and preparing it for accreditation; Genomic Markers For Drug Resistance of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in Egypt ID: 42693 US-Egypt STDF program Cycle 19; Genomic Characterization of Carbapenem- Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) In Egypt: A Prospective Collaborative Nation- wide study Pfizer 2019; Establishing Sentinel Surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) in the Cairo University Hospital. Member of the ESCMID and ASM.
International Publications can be found in Cairo University Scholar Page https://scholar.cu.edu.eg/?q=may/publications

Elvis

Temfack

Head of R&D and Clinical Trials Coordination Mechanism

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Ethiopia

Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Patient engagement

Cryptococcal Meningitis disease spectrum: prevention, detection, treatment, and outcome.

Dr Elvis Temfack is the Head of R&D and Clinical Trials Coordination in the Center for Science and Innovation at Africa CDC, based in Ethiopia. He is a medical doctor and researcher with over 15 years clinical and health research experience and track records of robust evidence generation for policy change and elaboration of guidelines. Prior to joining Africa CDC, he worked at Epicentre, the Research department of Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) as clinical research coordinator generating real-world evidence to support HIV-first line treatment policy change in Malawi. He is highly experienced in health research and ethics and at Africa CDC, he currently leads the establishment of the continental health research agenda for R&D as well the coordination mechanism for health research ethics in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD.
He is a member of many international research collaborative working groups, and sits in numerous scientific and technical advisory committees across different initiatives. He is a strong advocate for inclusive African-led context sensitive solutions to African priority health problems centered around the interest of the people in local communities most affected by these health problems.

Nhung

Pham

Head of Dept. Microbiology

Academia

Hanoi Medical University

Vietnam

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus

My research centres on clinical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance across Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, S. aureus/MRSA), including PK/PD-informed dosing and stewardship. I study MRSA persistence, biofilm biology, and PVL-associated disease; molecular epidemiology and genomics of resistance mechanisms (NDM, mcr-1, carbapenemases, ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae); invasive fungal infections (candidemia, Aspergillus), ocular infections, and hospital-acquired infections.

Pham Hong Nhung is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at Hanoi Medical University, and Deputy Head of Microbiology at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi. She also serves as a consultant clinical microbiologist to the Ministry of Health on the national antimicrobial resistance surveillance program. Her research spans bacterial taxonomy; molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases; and clinical microbiology with a focus on antimicrobial resistance, nosocomial infections, ocular infections, and invasive fungal disease. She earned her PhD in Medical Microbiology at Gifu University, Japan, where her thesis examined the dnaJ gene as a phylogenetic marker for bacterial identification and classification, and has undertaken training in whole-genome sequencing. She welcomes collaborations on AMR surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and mycology across clinical and laboratory settings.

Avinash

Rajan

Microbiologist

Academia

RAJALAKSHMI MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

India

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Immunotherapies, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

ONE HEALTH APPROACH IN DERMATOPHYTE INFECTION

Dr. Avinash Rajan is a medical doctor with an MBBS and MD in Microbiology, with specialized expertise in infectious diseases, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. He has academic and teaching experience as an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and has contributed to research in antimicrobial resistance and clinical microbiology.His current interests lie in global health, outbreak investigation, and the One Health framework, with a focus on connecting human, animal, and environmental health.

Dr. Rajan has presented research in academic forums, mentored students, and is actively expanding his expertise through specialized courses in virology, epidemiology, and laboratory quality standards. He is particularly interested in collaborative projects at the interface of microbiology, immunology, and planetary health, with the goal of developing innovative strategies for infectious disease surveillance and control.

Professor

Nelesh

Govender

Division Director

Academia

WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

South Africa

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

www.witsmycology.co.za

The Mycology Division aims to improve the outcomes of people affected by serious, life- threatening fungal diseases in South Africa and the African region through public health-focused epidemiological, clinical and basic science research and innovation. Our work also stretches to other important infectious diseases.

The Mycology Division was established in 2016 and is affiliated to the School of Pathology in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and to the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

The Division was initially established to support grant-funded investigator and student-led projects.

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7869-9462

I lead a research group in medical mycology in South Africa, among a few worldwide focused on public health mycology. We work on life-threatening fungal diseases, primarily those affecting people living with HIV and people who are critically-ill in hospital. My research work spans laboratory science, surveillance, observational epidemiology and clinical trials. As an NIHR Global Research Professor, I am currently on long-term leave from my position as head of NICD’s Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses. I provide technical support to the World Health Organization through our Collaborating Centre on AMR. My research is funded through grants from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UK Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome, Gates Foundation and UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Mr.

Justice Ohene

Amofa

Bioinformatics Research Assistant

Academia

University Of Ghana Legon, Accra

Ghana

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

I am a Bioinformatics Research Assistant at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana. My work focuses on developing bioinformatics pipelines and applying computational approaches, including machine learning, omics, and data-driven analysis, to study microbial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. I am particularly interested in leveraging genomics, biomarkers, diagnostics, and innovative platforms to improve early detection of infectious diseases and guide public health responses. My broader research includes microbial pathogenesis, antifungal and antimicrobial resistance, and the integration of AI-driven tools for sustainable One Health solutions.

Justice Ohene Amofa is a Bioinformatics Research Assistant at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana. He specializes in computational biology, software engineering, and bioinformatics pipeline development, with research interests spanning microbial genomics, antimicrobial resistance, fungal pathogens, and innovative diagnostic platforms. His work includes developing AI and machine learning approaches for early disease detection, managing genomic surveillance data, and facilitating bioinformatics training across Africa. Justice is also a Nextflow Ambassador, actively contributing to open-source communities and capacity-building initiatives. His vision is to leverage computational tools and One Health approaches to improve diagnostics, strengthen antifungal and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and advance public health research in LMICs.

Miss

Yinuo

Wang

PhD

Academia

University College London, University of London

United Kingdom

Other spp.

My primary research interest is the chemical validation of essential enzymes for antimicrobial drug discovery. My work is currently centred on aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), where I have successfully developed potent, low-nanomolar inhibitors targeting several Plasmodium falciparum synthetases. This effort has produced a valuable, openly accessible chemical toolbox—the ‘XRS box’—based on a unique ‘reaction hijacking’ mechanism. As aaRSs are universally conserved and validated targets in bacteria and protozoa, a key future direction for my research is to expand this successful approach into medical mycology. I am eager to leverage my expertise and the XRS box to identify and develop novel antifungal agents targeting fungal aaRSs and to collaborate with members of the CMM-FAILSAFE network on this critical challenge.

As a medicinal chemist and an active contributor to the Open Source Malaria project, my research is driven by the need for new medicines with novel mechanisms of action to combat drug resistance. My primary expertise lies in the structure-based design and synthesis of potent inhibitors against aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs). I have successfully developed a series of thienopyrimidine-based compounds that function via a novel ‘reaction hijacking’ mechanism, achieving low nanomolar potency and high selectivity for the Plasmodium falciparum enzymes over their human orthologues.

This work has culminated in the creation of the ‘XRS box’, an openly accessible library of amino acid conjugates.

My motivation to expand into antifungal research stems from a clear scientific premise: the fundamental biology that makes aaRS enzymes a powerful antimalarial target is directly mirrored in pathogenic fungi. The versatility of our platform has already been demonstrated, as the ‘XRS box’ has yielded encouraging results in cross-screening against bacterial pathogens. This success strongly suggests its potential for broader application. Therefore, my goal is to apply a proven drug discovery engine to a new and urgent problem. I am eager to collaborate with experts within the CMM-FAILSAFE network to systematically deploy this platform against key fungal targets, helping to accelerate the development of a novel class of antifungals.

Sile

Molloy

Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology

Saint George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London

United Kingdom

Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops

https://www.sgul.ac.uk/profiles/sile-molloy

Dr Molloy is a Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology working on Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) treatment trials and implementation projects running across a number of countries in Africa. Her teaching portfolio includes teaching and curriculum development for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Global Health Diseases and Clinical Trials modules for both under graduate and post graduate students.

https://www.sgul.ac.uk/profiles/sile-molloy

Profesor

Joseph

Jarvis

Professor of Tropical Medicine and International Health

Academia

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Outreach, Patient engagement

HIV-related fungal infections

Cryptococcal meningitis

PCP

Histoplasmosis

Advanced HIV Disease

https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/aboutus/people/jarvis.joe

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/people/professor-joe-jarvis

I am an NIHR Global Health Research Professor, currently based between LSHTM and Gaborone, Botswana, where I work with the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership. My main research interests are advanced HIV disease, opportunistic infections, cryptococcal meningitis and other CNS infections, and strategies to rapidly and safely initiate ART in individuals with low CD4 counts. I was the Chief Investigator for the AMBITION-cm trial examining new treatments for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, and Uganda, and worked as Research Director for the CDC Implementation Protocol of the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP). I an an NIHR Senior Investigator, hold an NIHR Global Health Research Professorship, and lead an NIHR Global Health Group on HIV-asociated fungal infections. I am a member of the external review group for the WHO Guidelines for Managing Advanced HIV Disease and Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy, and a guidelines development group member for WHO guidelines on preventing, diagnosing, and managing cryptococcal disease in HIV infected adults, adolescents and children. In addition to my research I work as an infectious diseases consultant at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London.

David

Lawrence

Clinical Associate Professor

Academia

Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, WITS Mycology Division, University of the Witwatersrand and NICD South Africa

Botswana

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Lateral Flow test, Other spp., Outreach, Patient engagement, Working with industry

My work spans multiple disciplines (clinical trials, epidemiology, diagnostics, health economics, anthropology) but is unified by an unwavering drive to reduce mortality and morbidity from advanced HIV disease, with a focus on HIV-associated fungal infections. Please see: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/aboutus/people/lawrence.david

I joined LSHTM in 2017 and was based in Gaborone, Botswana for four years where I worked as the Lead Clinician for the AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION) trial. AMBITION was a phase III randomised controlled trial of a single, high-dose liposomal amphotericin regimen for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis and recruited patients from six sites across five countries in Southern Africa.

I returned to the UK in 2021 and following the success of the trial I am co-investigator on a number of research and non-research grants aimed at maximising the impact of the AMBITION regimen in routine care settings and applying research advances in cryptococcal meningitis to other HIV-associated fungal infections.

Alongside research I work two-days a week for the NHS as a HIV and Sexual Health doctor.

Prof

Graeme

Meintjes

Professor

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

Cryptococcus

https://idm.uct.ac.za/contacts/graeme-meintjes

Graeme Meintjes leads a research programme that focuses on the clinical conditions affecting patients with advanced HIV disease including disseminated HIV-associated tuberculosis, the tuberculosis associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) and cryptococcal meningitis. His group also investigates antiretroviral therapy strategies, drug-resistant tuberculosis and diagnostics for TB, as well as prevention strategies for HIV. He has been the PI or local PI of several clinical trials, and conducts observational cohort studies that address questions related to disease pathogenesis. Graeme was principal investigator (PI) of the EDCTP-funded PredART trial that demonstrated that prednisone was effective and safe for the prevention of TB-IRIS in patients at high-risk starting antiretroviral therapy. He is currently co-PI of the Wellcome-funded NewStrat-TB trial investigating novel treatment strategies in patients admitted to hospital with disseminated HIV-associated TB. He is also Chair of the Trial Steering Committee of the Gates-funded REVIVE trial investigating azithromycin for reducing deaths in people with Advanced HIV Disease across 14 countries in Africa.

He has contributed to the development of management guidelines for HIV, TB and cryptococcal meningitis at a provincial and national level and in WHO (World Health Organization) Guideline Development Groups. He is a Member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the College of Fellows of UCT, and holds a B1 rating from the National Research Foundation. He has been awarded Training (2007), Intermediate (2012) and Senior (2019) Fellowships by the Wellcome Trust. He is the PI of the Fogarty HIV associated TB Training Program held at UCT in partnership with Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt Universities.

Graeme Meintjes is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Clinical Professor of Infectious Diseases at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). He is an adult Infectious Diseases physician and clinician scientist. He leads a research programme that focuses on the clinical conditions affecting patients with advanced HIV disease including disseminated HIV-associated tuberculosis, the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and cryptococcal meningitis. His group also investigates drug-resistant tuberculosis, diagnostics for TB and antiretroviral therapy strategies. He has been the PI or local PI of several clinical trials and conducts observational cohort studies that address questions related to disease pathogenesis. He has been chair or co-chair of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society Adult ART Guidelines Committee for more than a decade and has participated in several WHO Guideline Development Groups in the fields of HIV, opportunistic infections, TB and Mpox.

Dr.

Emily

Evans

Infectious Disease Fellow

Emory University

United States

Antifungal use, Antigen, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Lateral Flow test, Patient cohorts

I am interested in using epidemiological methods and diagnostic development in the prevention and treatment of endemic mycoses in patients with HIV.

I am an infectious diseases fellow in Atlanta Georgia with experience in clinical trials related to cryptococcosis and talaromycosis in people living with HIV. I am interested in the prevention and treatment of opportunistic endemic mycoses in people living with HIV.

Miss

Syeda Sadiqa

Batool

Researcher

Academia

University of Bradford

United Kingdom

Biomarker, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Working with industry

Cancer Drug Discovery

I am a chemistry graduate with a strong interest in drug discovery and research. My research focuses on medicinal chemistry, including the synthesis of organic compounds and the extraction of natural products, followed by their biological evaluation. Based on these evaluations, I aim to provide subtle and informed recommendations to guide further research. I have a keen interest in analytical and instrumental techniques as well as in understanding the biological activities of compounds. By combining these approaches, I strive to contribute to meaningful discoveries in the field of medicinal chemistry.

Mrs

Oluranti

Fadeju

Performing and reviewing a high level diagnostic procedure. Supervising, verifying and overseeing the day -to-day of Microbiology laboratory unit.

University of Osun State Teaching Hospital Osogbo Osun State Nigeria

Nigeria

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

My main research interest is in the Genomic Surveillance of Biofilm Forming Candida species in immunocompromised patients with a focus on resistance mechanisms and molecular epidemiology. My work also explores the antifungal potential of medicinal plants and synthesized compounds as alternative or adjunct therapies against multi drug resistant Candida infections.

I am a female Nigerian born in Ibadan Oyo State South Western region in Nigeria. A Medical Laboratory Scientist by profession graduated from Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma Edo State Nigeria in the year 2005 as Second Class Upper in Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science. A Masters degree holder in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso Oyo State in the year 2015 (MPhil/Ph.D). Presently, I am a Ph.D student of Redeemer’s University Ede Osun State.

I am working at the University of Osun State Teaching Hospital Osogbo Osun State Nigeria since 2007 till date and my present position is Deputy Director of Medical Laboratory Services.

An associate member of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.

These are my research output:

1. Phenotypic detection of genitourinary candidiasis among transmitted clinic attendees in Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital Osogbo Nigeria.

2. Distribution of Candida in the genitourinary tract of diabetic patients attending Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital Osun State Nigeria.

Effect of combined extracts of Moringa olifera and Adasonia digitiata on bacterial isolates.

An investigation into the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among the working class mothers in Ede Osun State.

Causative agents of urinary tract infection and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in a tertiary health institution.

Assistant Professor Dr.

Arsa

Thammahong

Medical doctor

Academia

Chulalongkorn University

Thailand

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis

Aspergillus AMR

novel antifungal target

Position:
2020 till present: Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
2010 till 2020: Instructor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Education:
2004-2010 Doctor of Medicine, First-class honors, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
2012-2017 Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, New Hampshire, USA
2020-2021 Internship at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Department of Disease Control, MOPH, Thailand
2021-2024 Hematology Residency Training Program, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Areas of Research Interest:
Medical Mycology, Pathogenesis of pathogenic fungi, Metabolomics of pathogenic fungi, Antifungal drug resistance, Fungal Immunology, Host-microbe interaction, Hematology, Hemato-oncology

Ongoing Research:
Antifungal drug resistance screening of Aspergillus spp. at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Miss

Thunvarat

Saejew

Technician

Academia

Chulalongkorn University

Thailand

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Other spp., Patient engagement, Sporothrix

Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis from chronic kidney disease patients

Research Assistant at Center of Excellence in Kidney Metabolic Disorders where study examines the impact of different care practices and models across national centers and systemic policies on treatment outcomes along with microbial patterns and drug resistance and emergence of new organism infections from environment-borne, antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-producing microorganisms. Applying biomolecular technology such as gene sequencing and nanopore sequencing, storing data with an online database and bring technology deep-learning AI helps to find patient’s risk of infection in dialysis and hemodialysis patients with support from many partner organizations in the country. Exchange experiences with research teams from international research institutes and the International Dialysis Federation

Prof.

Talerngsak

Kanjanabuch

Physician

Academia

Chulalongkorn University

Thailand

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Education and Workshops, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Research focuses on clinical and translational science in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and glomerular diseases.

His research focuses on clinical and translational science in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and glomerular diseases. He has authored over 190 peer-reviewed articles and more than 60 book chapters, with over 8,000 citations on Google Scholar. His scholarly excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards, including Young Investigator Awards from the ISPD Congresses (Montreal, 2001; Hong Kong, 2006), the Jonas Bergstrom Best Abstract Award (Mexico City, 2010), the Outstanding Young Physician Award (2017), Best Oral and Poster Research Awards from NST, the Outstanding Research Award (2020) from the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand, and the AJKD Editors’ Choice Award (2023), Nephrology Journal Top Viewed Article (2023), and ISPD-APCM Best Poster Award (2025).
Renowned for his leadership in global collaborative research, Dr. Kanjanabuch has contributed significantly to major international initiatives, including the 2018 KDIGO Hepatitis C in CKD Guideline, the 2022 ISPD Peritonitis Guidelines, the 2023 KDIGO Controversies Conference on Home Dialysis, the 2023 KDIGO Symptom-Based Complications Guidelines, the 2024 ISPD Statement on Assisted PD, and the 2025 ISPD Cardiovascular & Metabolic and Sustainable Guideline Working Groups. He has also been deeply involved in pivotal multicenter trials, including PDOPPS, SONG-PD, ISPD-GREX, ISPD-MYTH, VISTERRA, ELEDON, Otsuka OLE, Otsuka VISIONARY, ALXN1210-IgAN-320, and STEP-PD.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Kanjanabuch is a passionate advocate for advancing global nephrology practices, most notably through his sustained engagement with policymakers in promoting Thailand’s “PD First” Policy during both its initial implementation and its reinstated era. He has spearheaded the development of a national PD nurse training program and led the establishment of national and regional PD catheter insertion training initiatives under the Asia Nephrology Training Forum (ANTF). His unwavering commitment to equity, education, and innovation in kidney care continues to inspire the global nephrology community.

Miss

Preeyarat

Pavatung

Research Assistant

Academia

Chulalongkorn University

Thailand

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis from chronic kidney disease patients

Javad

Javidnia

Assistant Professor

Academia

Mazandararn University of Medical Sciences

Iran

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Patient engagement

Javad Javidnia’s research primarily focuses on the field of Medical Mycology, with a strong emphasis on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of fungal infections. His specific interests can be summarized as follows:

Epidemiology of Fungal Diseases: Investigating the distribution, causes, and patterns of fungal infectious diseases, particularly severe and invasive mycoses. This includes molecular identification and tracking of emerging pathogens like Trichophyton indotineae and Seedosporium species.

Antifungal Resistance: Conducting in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing to profile resistance in various fungi, including dermatophytes, Candida, and Aspergillus species. A key interest is exploring the mechanisms of action and resistance to antifungal drugs.

Discovery of Novel Antifungal Targets: Research aimed at identifying new molecular targets for the development of more effective antifungal therapies.

Molecular Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterization: Utilizing advanced techniques like PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis for the precise identification of fungal pathogens and understanding their population genetics.

Javad Javidnia is a highly dedicated medical mycologist and researcher affiliated with the Department of Medical Mycology and the Invasive Fungi Research Center (IFRC) at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. With a Ph.D. and MSc in Medical Mycology, his research is centered on the epidemiology of fungal infections, antifungal drug resistance, and the molecular characterization of pathogenic fungi.

He has a prolific research profile, evidenced by his contribution to over 60 peer-reviewed publications. His work often involves the isolation and molecular identification of environmental and clinical fungi, extensive in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing, and investigating the mechanisms of resistance. He is an experienced peer reviewer for numerous international journals and an editorial board member for Open Forum Infectious Diseases (OFID), Current Medical Mycology(CMM), and The Microbe.

He is keen on collaborating on projects related to the surveillance of emerging fungal pathogens, antifungal discovery, and population genetics of fungi.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9336-2518

Email: javidniaj@gmail.com

Kedar Nath

Koirala

Microbiologist, Student

Academia

Pokhara University

Nepal

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Climate change impact on AFR, Combination therapies, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Vaccine development

Antimicrobial resistance, Bacteriophage, Bacterial , fungl, viral , parasitic infection, infection prevention practice

I am post graduate student in Microbiology and doing my final year internship and research work at Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar, Morang. My primary research focused on Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm production. Also I am participated in international programmes. I am aspires to contribute globalresearch efforts addressing AMR and diagnostic capacity.

Emily

Jones

Research Scientist

Academia

Quadram Institute

United Kingdom

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement

My research interests focus on host-microbe interactions and developing human in vitro models. This has included developing novel single and multi-cellular model systems to investigate mechanisms of fungal invasion and transmission in the host. I am currently leading the development of a primary, patient-derived multi-organ microphysiological system (MPS) for studying vaginal fungal infections and antifungal resistance.

https://quadram.ac.uk/people/emily-jones/

Nguyen

Minh Hoai

Research Physician

Industry

International University – VNU-HCM

Vietnam

AI/new tools, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hoai-Nguyen-Minh?ev=hdr_xprf

My main research interests focus on rehabilitation medicine, musculoskeletal health, and the integration of traditional medicine with modern technology. I am particularly interested in developing and validating innovative measurement systems for assessing joint mobility, muscle function, and skin temperature in clinical and field environments. My recent work includes the design of infrared thermometry devices (Atherm) for monitoring temperature balance and evaluating physiological responses to physical activity and cold exposure.

I also explore the role of manual therapy and joint mobilization in improving range of motion and reducing pain among patients with musculoskeletal disorders, especially those involving the neck and shoulder. My long-term goal is to enhance evidence-based clinical practices by combining biomedical engineering, traditional therapeutic approaches, and digital health solutions.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoai is a medical doctor specializing in Traditional Medicine and Sports Medicine, currently pursuing a PhD focused on technology-driven interventions to enhance clinical management and patient outcomes in private specialty clinics. His research integrates biomedical engineering, rehabilitation science, and digital health innovation, with particular emphasis on temperature-based diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.

Dr. Hoai is the principal developer of the Atherm project, an infrared thermometry and warming system designed to monitor and balance body temperature for individuals exposed to cold environments, such as night-shift workers and athletes. He also contributes to projects on joint mobilization therapy, exploring its effects on pain reduction and range of motion improvement in musculoskeletal disorders.

His professional goal is to bridge traditional medicine approaches with modern medical technology, advancing sustainable and personalized healthcare solutions.

Steve

James

Fungal researcher

Academia

Quadram Institute

United Kingdom

AFR factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Candida, Innovative Platforms, Outreach

1. Community profiling of the human gut and vaginal mycobiota

2. Fungal genomics using short- and long-read sequencing platforms

3. Investigating fungal-host interactions using organ-on-a-chip microfluid systems

4. Fungal culturomics: isolating yeast and other fungi from human samples (i.e. stool & vaginal)

Staff profile page: https://quadram.ac.uk/people/steve-james/

I am a molecular microbiologist with considerable experience and expertise in the fields of yeast systematics and yeast biodiversity. In my current research role, as a member of the Food, Microbiome & Health (FMH) ISP at the Quadram Institute, I am studying the fungal component (mycobiome) of the human gut and vaginal microbiota. The aim is to identify, isolate and characterise yeast and other fungi present within the human gut and vagina to gain a better insight into the role of the mycobiome in health and disease states.

I was previously a member of the QIB-based National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), and was involved in a variety of collaborative projects, including the Saccharomyces Genome Re-sequencing Project (SGRP), the first large-scale eukaryotic population genomics study. This project was co-led by Dr Richard Durbin (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute) and Prof. Ed Louis (University of Leicester), served as the pilot project for the 1000 human genomes project and resulted in a Nature publication in 2009.

Since gaining my PhD in 1998, I have trained, supervised, and mentored undergraduate students from both the UK and abroad.

Dr.

Anup

Radhakrishna Warrier

Lead Consultant

Academia

Aster Medcity

India

Antifungal use, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms

1. Identifying risk factors for newer / emerging invasive fungal infections – especially Candida auris

2. Identifying the best therapeutic choices and combinations in these infections in various patient populations

Dedicated physician with an accomplished background in managing critically ill patients, trained in Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Antimicrobial Stewardship in tertiary care settings. Experienced in undergraduate and postgraduate (DNB) teaching and supervision of Core Medical Trainees under the Royal College of Physicians, UK. Active in healthcare quality and clinical governance leadership.

A) Clinical Infectious Diseases (2008-Present)

Over 15 years of clinical experience:

Managed hospital-acquired infections, ICU infections, HIV, FUO, tropical infections, and infections in oncology and transplant patients at KIMS Hospitals, Trivandrum (550 beds; 2008-2013).

At Aster Medcity, Kochi (570-bed flagship tertiary center), continuing expertise in infectious diseases in solid organ and stem cell transplant programs, especially infections among BMT patients.

B) Hospital Infection Control & Antimicrobial Stewardship (15 years)

Led infection control at KIMS Hospitals, creating hospital-wide HIC teams and AMS programs.

Established HIC and AMS initiatives at Aster Medcity and expanded them across 14 Aster units in India.

Implemented Six Sigma-based projects: SSI reduction in CABG, hypothermia prevention, glycemic control, and CLABSI reduction, receiving international recognition (Healthcare Management Asia Awards 2016 & 2019).

Headed a multidisciplinary AMS team (physician, microbiologist, pharmacist) setting standards for stewardship in India; hosted trainees from JIPMER, Manipal, and Aberdeen.

Co-author, APSIC Surgical Site Infection Prevention Guidelines (2018).

Aster Medcity recognized by ESCMID as a European Center for Collaboration since 2018, receiving observers from Europe.

Faculty for Kerala State AMR Committee and State AMS Program since 2018.

Faculty, National HIC training programs in partnership with WHO.

C) Teaching Experience (2005-Present)

Undergraduate teaching (MBBS), Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad (2005-2006); served as Senior Resident and ICU In-Charge.

Postgraduate teaching (DNB Internal Medicine) at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai; KIMS, Trivandrum (2008-2013); and Aster Medcity, Kochi (2017-2019).

Clinical Supervisor, Royal College CMT Program (2017-2019); guided QIPs and international conference presentations (ECCMID, ASM 2019).

Faculty, Antimicrobial & Diagnostic Stewardship Certificate Programs (Manipal, since 2018) and Infection Control Certificate Program (Sankar Nethralaya, since 2016).

Manuel

Gillimon

Biomedical Scientist

Academia

Mzuzu University

Malawi

I am new to this field of mycology, I am more interested in microbial pathogenesis Aspergillus

Candida,Cryptococcus, Emergomyces and Histoplasma.

Am an undergraduate student at Mzuzu University, Malawi. Pursuing Bachelor’s in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences year 3. I have a diploma in Biomedical Sciences. I am laboratory technician who works with Ministry of health at Mzimba South District Hospital

Afreenish

Amir

Project Director AMR (US CDC project)

Academia

National Institutes of Health

Pakistan

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Industry engagement, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Fungal Surveillance, AMR surveillance (GLASS, PASS), fungi antimicrobial stewardship, bacterial/fungal surveillance genomics, waste water environmental surveillance, Typhoid Cholera genomics, Monoclonal antibodies,

Dr. Afreenish Amir, medical microbiologist, expertise spans AMR surveillance (GLASS, PASS), laboratory systems, antimicrobial stewardship, bacterial/fungal surveillance genomics, waste water environmental surveillance, Pakistan’s cholera control strategy. She excels in building partnerships, planning and implementing programs. She worked 8 years with NIH Pakistan in roles including Project Director AMR. She has served as Chair of Emerging Leader in Infectious Diseases Program at ISID USA, Federal Region Chapter Head for Pakistan Biological Safety Association, and serving as Board Director of Mehnaz Fatima Foundation Gilgit, Pakistan. She is Harvard Kennedy School alumna on Global Health Security, GIBACHT fellow on biosafety and biosecurity, Consultant with American Society of Microbiology USA and The South Center Geneva, adjunct faculty at Rawalpindi Medical University and Health Services Academy Pakistan.
She is member of WHO Advisory Group on BPPL, WHO Global Research Agenda for AMR in Human Health, TAG Fleming Fund UK. She is GHSA AMR Action Package; Pakistan Lead, Advisory member AMRnet Policy Advisory Group (UK), TWG Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (DUKE NUS-Singapore), member Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium (LSHTM UK), CAMONET Pakistan Initiative, and AMR Education in Children, Fleming Initiative.

MSc

Aude

Sturny Leclère

Research Engineer

Academia

Institut Pasteur

France

Antigen, Biomarker, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Lateral Flow test, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Patient cohorts

Implementation, prevalence and capacity-building studies aimed at improving the diagnosis of fungal infections in HIV patients in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

Development and the evaluation of new diagnostic methods based on qPCR and RT-qPCR for invasive fungal infections.

Medical Mycology trainings : onsite trainings, within the Institut Pasteur, and AFGrica Unit, and Pasteur Network, and for the PAN African Mycology Working Group.

https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Aude-Sturny-Leclere-71325691

I am a Research Engineer in the Translational Mycology Research Group, Institut Pasteur Paris.

I am involved in implementation, prevalence (PI in Evadiag-Histo Ivory Coast and Uganda, and FUNgi-Cam in Cambodia) and capacity-building studies aimed at improving the diagnosis of fungal infections in HIV patients in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

I have been involved in the development and the evaluation of new diagnostic methods based on qPCR and RT-qPCR of Histoplasma spp., Cryptococcus spp., T. marneffei, Apergillus spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii and Sarcoptes scabiei.

For the last past years, I have been involved in Medical Mycology trainings within the Institut Pasteur, for weeks in Paris (since 2019), in Cape Town (South Africa) in 2018 for African clinicians and lab scientists (AFGrica Unit, AMBITION-cm trial and DREAMM project), and in Dakar (Senegal) in 2017 and Alger (Algeria) in 2024 for African scientists in the Pasteur Network, and for the PAN African Mycology Working Group in Lagos (Nigeria) in 2024.

https://fr.linkedin.com/in/aude-sturny-leclere-9ba6aa82

Annette

von Delft

Head of Anti-Infectives, CMD, NDM, University of Oxford

Academia

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Combination therapies, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Outreach

https://www.cmd.ox.ac.uk/people/annette-von-delft

Annette von Delft is the Head of Anti-Infective Pillar at the Centre for Medicines Discovery (CMD), University of Oxford. She oversees discovery and development projects on novel small molecules against viruses, bacteria and fungi, from initial target validation to preclinical development. Annette trained as a clinician at University of Leipzig (Germany) and Oxford University Hospitals (UK), and obtained a DPhil in Clinical Medicine from the University of Oxford, working on HCV T cell immunology and vaccine development.

Annette’s current focus is developing novel antivirals for pandemic preparedness. She leads the preclinical development of coronavirus small molecules for the global consortia COVID Moonshot and the ASAP AVIDD Center on behalf of Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi). She is the clinical lead for discovery projects targeting flavi-, entero-, and influenza viruses, supported by the Wellcome Trust, NIH NIAID, PAD (Novo Nordisk and Gates Foundations), and the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics. She also coordinates a portfolio of early discovery projects against antimicrobial and fungal targets.

Natalie

Tomkins

Principle Scienctist

Industry

Syngenta

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Development of antifungal strategies for crop protection, whilst mitigating risks for AFR development.

At Syngenta we are interested in providing food security, without impacting medical treatment opportunities.

Miss

Preeyarach

Klaytong

junior researcher

Academia

Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU)

Thailand

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Emergomyces, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

My main research interests include antifungal resistance (AFR), infectious disease epidemiology, and clinical microbiology. I am particularly focused on data analysis and integration of microbiological and clinical datasets to support surveillance and improve patient outcomes.

You can view my current research activities and profile here: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9906-5159

My name is Preeyarach Klaytong . I am junior researcher working under Dr. Direk Limmathurotsakul at Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit . My research focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infectious disease epidemiology, and clinical microbiology. I am particularly interested in integrating microbiological and clinical datasets to support surveillance systems and improve patient care. I have experience in data verification, quality control, and the development of research dictionaries for large-scale datasets. I actively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance data-driven approaches in public health and infectious disease research.

Manish

Ranjan

Assistant Professor and Offg HoD

Academia

All India Institute of Medical Sciences

India

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education

My research interests are Anti microbial resistance, Infection prevention & control, Molecular diagnostics.

My Orcid is: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1977-5116

I am Major Dr Manish Ranjan, a graduate from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune i served in the Indian Army as Regimental medical officer. After serving for 7 years, i joined MD programme and finished my Post graduate degree in 2018. I also completed my Diplomate in National Board in the discipline of Medical Microbiology.

My Professional experience expands to both Government, Private and Corporate hospital settings. In my present role as Officiating head of the Department, i AM responsible for the complete setup of the department, recruiting ,manpower and procurement, since my Institute i.e. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu is a green field setup with barely 13 months into being operational with 750 beds.

Mr.

Joseph Tisera

Correa

Student

Academia

University of the Gambia

Gambia

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My research interests are diagnosis of fungal diseases, understanding the genetic aspect of the main fungal pathogens and vaccine development.

I am Joseph Tisera Correa and I’m a final year BSc Biology student and I served as the Secretary General of University of The Gambia Science Students’ Association from April 2024 – April 2025. I also participated in the establishment of an ASM Chapter in The Gambia. I have gained some training in Bioinformatics such as molecular docking and phylogenetic analysis which can be relevant in mycology. I’m currently working with a team to organising a Mycology Awareness Day which will be first of its kind in The Gambia. Recently, I applied for internship at the Microbiology Laboratory at MRC The Gambia @ London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I have special interest in pursuing graduate studies in medical mycology and become a Medical Mycologist in future.

Miss

Sandisiwe

Noholoza

Research Unit Coordinator

Academia

University of Cape Town

South Africa

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/medicalmycology/internationalunits/cmm-africa-unit/

Epidemiologist with extensive project managerial and data analysis experience in Clinical and Biomedical Research. Holds a Master of Public Health degree (specialising in Epidemiology and Biostatistics) and a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Honours) degree in Infectious diseases and Immunology from the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. She currently serves as a Research Unit Manager for the Centre for Medical Mycology (CMM) Africa Unit. Her expertise are centred around providing innovative project management skills for the advancement of health-related research institutions, and providing data analysis support to researchers, transforming data into insightful knowledge that drive evidence-based strategies in public health.

Cheryl

Leong

Senior Research Fellow

A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL)

Singapore

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

My research interests lie at the intersection of microbiome-host interactions, fungal pathogenesis, antifungal resistance, and the development of novel tools and protocols for skin microbiome investigation, all directed toward translational advances in healthcare and product development. I work primarily with skin fungal pathogens such as Malassezia and Trichophyton. I am interested in non-invasive methods of skin sampling and diagnosis to understand the mechanisms underlying cutaneous infections and the host pathogen interactionss therein. I also study antifungal resistance mechanisms, focusing on azole resistance in Malassezia and related species, by analyzing key genetic mutations like those in ERG11. This involves optimizing antifungal susceptibility testing methods for cutaneous pathogens, aimed at improving both clinical diagnostics and treatment strategies. Future work will explore the impact of topical antifungal treatments and the impact of the skin exposome on opportunistic infection. Through this research, I aim to bridge fundamental mycological science with practical applications in dermatology, enhancing the treatment and management of fungal skin infections.

I started my mycology work as a post-doc in a fungal diagnostic lab before returning to Thomas Dawson’s lab in Singapore to continue my Malassezia fungal research. Skin fungal infection is extremely common in South East Asia but there is limited epidemiological data and understanding of the underlying pathology. I am keen to build network and build valuable collaborative relationships with researchers and clinicians in the region to understand the scale of the problem and to develop diagnostic and therapeutic solutions to address it.

I have been research for 20 years and never stopped because I love the science. I’ve explored academic, government and industry research but have landed where I am now because I feel that it interfaces academic, medical and industry research. This puts me in a good position to translate my work in findings and technologies that can benefit real people. I’ve benefited from the wonderful mentorship of many people in the fungal community and love working with students. The idea of being able to share and discuss ideas with the international and South East Asian fungal community excites me and I look forward to being able to connect with like-minded mycologists!

Bruno

Borges

Postdoctoral associate

Academia

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

United States

Cryptococcus, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Omics, Other spp., Virulence factors

I study different C. neoformans clinical isolates, to comprehend their virulence traits and how that affect the immune response on mice. My major goal is to identify key molecules that might be playing a role in virulence and fungal survival within the host. At the same time, I aim to identify how the immune cells are recognizing the different clinical strains and how that is affecting the disease outcome.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1763-1074

Miss

Keomi

Milne

Postgraduate Student

University of Bristol

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Omics, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

Although I am a postgraduate student who has not undergone any research yet, I have broad interests in the antifungal resistance side of mycology. Antifungal resistance represents one of the most critical challenges in medical mycology, as it directly threatens the lives of patients. Unlike antibacterial resistance, which has received global attention and investment, antifungal resistance remains comparatively under-recognised despite its growing clinical impact, particularly on immunocompromised patients. I find this area particularly compelling because it bridges fundamental microbiology, clinical diagnostics, and public health. I would love to be able to contribute to advancing diagnostics and surveillance strategies that address this threat.

I also am extremely fascinated by the complexity of how fungal species adapt to survive treatment. In particular, I am interested in the molecular mechanisms that underpin resistance in pathogens, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, including the upregulation of efflux pumps, alterations in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, and enhanced biofilm formation that collectively reduce drug susceptibility. Understanding these adaptive pathways not only deepens our knowledge of fungal biology, but also has direct diagnostic and therapeutic implications through the identification of molecular markers of resistance. In my dissertation, I identified several resistance-associated genes in bacteria, which enabled enabled genomic prediction of antibiotic resistance profiles. This experience strengthened my belief that whole genome sequencing represents the future of both rapid diagnostics and informed prescription. I would love to be able to apply this learning and viewpoint in my future.

I am a recent Biomedical Sciences graduate from the University of Bristol. I followed the Cellular and Molecular Medicine pathway, and culminated my journey with a particular specialism in Medical Microbiology. The focus of my first class dissertation was to evaluate the validity of Whole Genome Sequencing as a clinical diagnostic method for antimicrobial resistance in bloodstream infections. It heavily involved key bioinformatic processes, as well as hands-on lab AST methods such as disc diffusion. I believe it has given me a solid understanding of the burden of rising microbial resistance on a global, economical, clinical and even at molecular level within the organism. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed it, I’ve always had a fascination with mycology, which unfortunately was only briefly covered in my course.

I also took a particular interest in Immunology, and studied both Immunology and Advanced Immunology in my 3rd year. I really enjoy understanding the relationship between the immune system and the pathogen, as I feel like it tells a story that I can follow and understand. It also highlights points of contact that can be manipulated when treating the infection. Fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans are often opportunistic, exploiting defects in innate immunity, so understanding of these immune pathways is essential.

Having grown up between cultures and spending most of my childhood abroad, I’ve developed an open-minded outlook and genuine curiosity about how healthcare challenges differ globally. My Malaysian background and love of travel have helped me appreciate the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability, qualities of which are invaluable in understanding the global burden of infectious diseases.

After my travels to South America, I am hoping to undertake a masters course in either Medical Microbiology or Medical Mycology to further my depth of understanding and better hone a speciality, but for now I am trying to get involved in as much as I can!

Mr.

Pool

Aguilar

Physician

Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego

Peru

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Histoplasma, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Sporothrix

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WkPUL8IAAAAJ&hl=es&oi=ao

Dr. Aguilar is a physician from Piura, Peru with postgraduate studies and a master’s degree currently in progress at Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University. He provides clinical care at the Infectious, Tropical, and Dermatological Diseases Unit of the Chulucanas Hospital. He also teaches medical microbiology at Antenor Orrego Private University. His research interests include nosocomial infection control, antimicrobial resistance, tropical medicine, and vaccines.

Dea

GARCIA HERMOSO

Deputy Director & Expert Research Engineer

Institut Pasteur

France

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Climate change impact on AFR, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Omics, Sporothrix

My main research interests focus on antifungal resistance, fungal phylogenetics, and virulence. Specifically, I investigate the prevalence of resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus, use phylogenetic analysis to refine taxonomy and link genotypes to clinical outcomes, and employ invertebrate models to characterize fungal virulence factors

Dea Garcia-Hermoso, PhD in microbiology, is working at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, and holds dual leadership roles as Deputy Director of the National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses & Antifungals, and Scientific Head of the Collection of Fungi (CFIP) at the Biological Resource Center CRBIP. She leads an integrated approach to fungal identification and taxonomic revision. Her work includes antifungal susceptibility testing, detection of resistance mutations, and genotyping of species responsible for invasive human mycoses. She investigates fungal biodiversity by analyzing phylogenetic relationships across fungal groups to improve taxonomy and uncover associations between genotypes and clinical outcomes. She establishes invertebrate animal models to investigate fungal virulence. At the CFIP, she oversees the entire specimen cycle, including collection, processing, characterization, quality control, and distribution of fungal strains. She also contributes to the scientific development of the CFIP by proposing new research projects.

She curates the Institut Pasteur FungiBank, an online sequence database supporting medical mycology research. Since 2005, she has served as Head of Studies of the Institut Pasteur Medical Mycology Course and became its Co-Director in 2018. She also co-directs the Institut Pasteur Medical Mycology MOOC. A member of the ISHAM Barcoding of Medical Fungi Working Group since 2010, she has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications.

Dr.

Laura-Madalina

Lixandru

Postdoctoral Researcher

Academia

Estonian University of Life Sciences, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca

Estonia

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, One Health and Education

One Health AMR/AFR, federated learning, people-centered approaches; working on international projects with EU, LATAM and SE Asian partners.

Dr. Laura-Mădălina Lixandru (DVM, PhD, drd.) is a Romanian researcher whose work covers One Health topics from a multidisciplinary angle (NTDs/NTZs, AMR/AFR, disaster risk reduction policy, community-oriented governance, FRL), drawing significantly on her ongoing projects. With a strong grounding in One Health education, she has developed multiple educational modules (including the “One Health for a Resilient Future” e-course in Estonia, “Hour with and for Animals” in Romania). Her expertise spans multi-sectoral collaboration, youth leadership, and participatory governance, core interests of the FAILSAFE network. She brings these strengths to fungal pathogen research via her ongoing focus on community resilience, cross-species health effects of climate change, and the role of inclusive governance in global health. Particularly hoping to build partnerships with mycology and environmental health experts to develop projects that empower resilient communities.

Gajanan

Balasaheb

Professor

Academia

Central University of Rajasthan

India

AFR factors, AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Innovative Platforms, Omics, One Health and Education, Vaccine development, Virulence factors

My research focuses on unravelling the complex biology of Candida albicans, with particular emphasis on its remarkable ability to switch between multiple morphological forms. While the yeast is being extensively studied to identify key virulence determinants, my interest extends to other morphotypes such as hyphae, pseudohyphae, opaque, Goliath, biofilm, and chlamydospore forms as well, which remain less explored yet are crucial for the organism’s survival and pathogenicity.
A major goal of my work is to theoretically and experimentally identify strategies to block these morphological transitions, thereby keeping C. albicans locked in its benign, commensal state. By exploring novel molecular targets that regulate these switches, I aim to discover new avenues for antifungal intervention. In addition to morphogenesis, we intend to understand the regulation of morphology-specific cell surface chemistry, energy metabolism.
Our studies have shown that virulence traits such as cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), adhesion, and antifungal susceptibility vary significantly across different morphological forms, underscoring the biological and clinical importance of morphogenic plasticity. Intriguingly, we have reported that C. albicans undergoes a metabolic shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) during morphogenesis, presumably to meet increased energy demands. This metabolic reprogramming parallels that seen in mammalian cells during differentiation, suggesting that the various morphological forms of C. albicans represent differentiated cellular states with specialised roles.
Through these investigations, I aim to understand how morphology, metabolism, and virulence are interlinked in C. albicans, and how disrupting these connections could yield novel antifungal strategies to combat infections and limit the emergence of antifungal resistance.

I have been working on the biology and pathogenesis of Candida albicans since 2004, when I received my first research fellowship from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, to investigate plant-derived agents as potent inhibitors of filamentous and invasive growth in C. albicans. That initial project sparked a lifelong scientific curiosity, understanding how this normally commensal yeast can transform into a virulent pathogen and how natural compounds can intervene in that process.
My early studies under the CSIR Senior Research Fellowship focused on identifying phytochemicals capable of blocking morphogenesis, biofilm formation, and virulence in C. albicans. Over the years, I have continued this line of investigation through multiple research grants and projects funded by SERB, UGC, DST, and ICMR, India. These efforts have culminated in the publication of over two dozen research papers that collectively explore the intersection of plant-derived antifungal agents, fungal morphogenesis, proteomics, and antifungal resistance.
A central theme in my research has been the exploration of the morphological plasticity of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae, and to less-studied forms like pseudohyphae, opaque, Goliath, biofilm, and chlamydospore forms. While the yeast-to-hypha transition is well recognised as a hallmark of virulence, my work has shown that these other morphotypes also contribute significantly to the fungus’s pathogenic versatility. My long-term vision is to theoretically and experimentally block these morphological transitions, effectively keeping C. albicans in its benign, commensal state.
One of the highlights of my research is the identification of several plant-derived inhibitors, including terpenoids and essential oil constituents that can disrupt fungal membrane integrity, inhibit biofilm formation, and prevent hyphal growth. These studies, such as those published in Phytomedicine (2011), Medical Mycology, Mycoses, FEMS Yeast Research, Journal of Proteomics, Journal of Fungi, etc., have contributed to understanding the molecular mechanisms by which natural products exert antifungal activity.
Another significant finding from my laboratory is the demonstration that C. albicans undergoes a metabolic shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) during morphogenesis. This metabolic reprogramming supports the increased energy demands associated with morphological differentiation and mirrors the transition seen in mammalian cells when stem cells differentiate into specialised cell types. This discovery provides an evolutionary and functional framework to view C. albicans morphotypes as differentiated cellular states, each assigned distinct roles in its pathogenic lifestyle.
Beyond morphology and metabolism, my group investigates virulence-related traits such as cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), adhesion, and antifungal susceptibility across different morphological states, uncovering how these parameters change dynamically during morphogenesis. We also employ morphology-specific proteomic analyses to map the differential expression of key regulatory and stress-response proteins under varying environmental cues.
Overall, my research aims to bridge fundamental fungal cell biology with translational outcomes, discovering novel antifungal targets and inhibitors to combat C. albicans infections and counteract the growing threat of antifungal resistance. Through this work, I hope to contribute toward developing next-generation antifungal therapies rooted in mechanistic understanding and sustainable natural chemistry.

Dr.

Kamran

Riaz

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student

Academia

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences – UVAS

Pakistan

I am interested in Fungal AMR Research studies,new ways to tackle this issue.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamran-riaz-2b043933a

Me, Kamran Riaz , an energetic and forward-thinking professional with a passion for sustainable energy, petroleum operations, and environmental safety.I combine practical experience with a genuine interest in developing cleaner and safer approaches to energy production. Over the years, I have worked on projects that connect industrial practices with environmental responsibility, focusing on improving efficiency and minimizing risk in the field.

I believes strongly in continuous learning and teamwork, and I enjoys working with people who share a vision for innovation and sustainability. I am particularly interested in exploring new technologies and ideas that can make energy systems more reliable and environmentally friendly.

As a member of FAILSAFE, I hopes to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, build safer work environments, and contribute to meaningful change in the energy sector.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamran-riaz-2b043933a

Max Carlos

Ramírez-Soto

Professor & Researcher

Academia

Universidad San Martin de Porres

Peru

Antifungal use, Combination therapies, Monitoring transmission, Patient engagement, Sporothrix

Sporotrichosis/Sporothrix; implantation mycoses; epidemiology; Candidiasis

He is a Professor and Researcher at the Universidad de San MartÃn de Porres in Lima, Peru. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for BMC Infectious Diseases, BMC Cancer, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, and PLOS Global Public Health. He is also a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Infection and Public Health, Current Fungal Infection Reports, and Scientific Reports. He has authored a chapter for UpToDate on sporotrichosis and has published more than 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Clinical Microbiology Reviews, The Lancet, Medical Mycology, PLOS, and the Journal of Fungi. Recognized as a Top Peer Reviewer by Publons (Web of Science Group), he has reviewed numerous manuscripts for international journals. His research interests include implantation mycoses, infectious diseases, epidemiology, and public health. His current research focuses on extracutaneous and osteoarticular sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix species.

Dr.

Monica

Mattos dos Santos

Professor

Academia

Federal University of Bahia

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Candida, Other spp., Sporothrix

We work with Sporothrix spp., Malassezia spp., and Candida spp. in domestic animals, with a particular focus on epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility profiles.

http://lattes.cnpq.br/7464738260629336

She holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Federal University of Bahia (2001), a master’s degree in Tropical Veterinary Medicine from the Federal University of Bahia (2004), and a doctorate in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (2010). Since 2013, she has been a professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the Federal University of Bahia, teaching the subjects MEVD19 – Clinical Mycology, MEV 171 – Veterinary Therapeutics, MEVA19 – Final Project I, and MEVA20 – Final Project II. She serves as vice-coordinator of the Multiprofessional Residency Program in Clinical Medicine of Domestic Carnivores. Since 2018, she has coordinated the Mycological Research Laboratory (LAPEMIC) at the Veterinary Medicine Hospital (HOSPMEV/UFBA)

Gerard

Colleran

Senior Lecturer reading Microbiology

Academia

Technological University Dublin

Ireland

Candida

I am interested in decontamination technologies that can be applied within the built environment and within reusable medical devices, to diminish, control and/or eliminate drug resistant fungal wet and dry biofilms.

I have more than two decades of academic experience delivering continuing professional development (CPD) programmes to healthcare workers in hospitals across Ireland, as well as selected sites in the UK and Portugal. Our academic team specialises in the ongoing professional education of staff responsible for the decontamination of reusable medical devices.

We provide advanced CPD programmes in Applied Microbiology and Decontamination Theory and Practice, with specific emphasis on the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes, ultrasound probes, surgical and dental instruments, and on the control of microbial contamination in RO water systems, clean air pathways, and hospital sinks and drains.

My work involves close collaboration with numerous medical technology companies that design and supply decontamination systems. These industry partners regularly contribute technical expertise and resources, enabling us to deliver high-fidelity practical training in medical device decontamination and applied microbiological control on a cost-neutral public–private basis.

I am particularly interested in expanding my knowledge of, and raising awareness about, innovative cooperative decontamination technologies capable of eliminating or suppressing drug-resistant Candida species in healthcare environments and critical utilities. Integrating such emerging innovations into our lectures and hands-on workshops is a key priority as we continue to support research progress and strengthen infection-prevention practice in healthcare settings

Dra

Lilianne

Dominguez

Médico Especialista en Microbiología, Metodóloga de Posgrado e Investigación

Academia

University of Medical Sciences of Holguín

Cuba

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Combination therapies, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Sporothrix, Virulence factors

Nosocomial fungemias and their impact on the healthcare crisis (Fungemias nosocomiales y su impacto en la crisis sanitaria)
Interactions between the intestinal microbiota and the pathogenic mechanisms of fungi (Interacciones entre la microbioata intestinal y los mecanismos patogenicos de los hongos)
Design of a dual-action antifungal using computational modeling (Diseño de un antifúngico de acción dual mediante modelaje computacional)

https://share.google/CrCbmD8CjlxQePyXj

https://share.google/VzJNNhaIDMfDjOjbX

Javaria

Ilyas

Phd scholar

Academia

University of the Punjab

Pakistan

Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Immunotherapies, Vaccine development

Insilico, invitro and invivo validation of the effect of multipathogenic vaccine against lung infection.

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Molecular Biology, where my research focuses on the development of advanced vaccines against lung infection–causing pathogens using immunoinformatics, molecular modeling, and genetic engineering approaches. My work aims to design multi-epitope vaccine constructs and evaluate their therapeutic potential through computational, in vitro, and translational methodologies.
Alongside my doctoral research, I am serving as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Central Punjab, where I teach core subjects in molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology. I am passionate about delivering high-quality education, mentoring students, and promoting scientific curiosity among future researchers.
I have contributed to projects involving stem cell engineering for liver disease, genetic characterization of rare inherited disorders, and in silico vaccine design against infectious diseases. I have also presented my work at various scientific forums and actively participated in academic workshops and training programs.
With a strong interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research, I aim to connect with experts working in vaccine development, molecular therapeutics, precision medicine, and computational biology. I look forward to contributing to impactful scientific advancements that address global health challenges.

Professor

Eman

Omran

Professor

Academia

Alexandria University

Egypt

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Other spp., Patient cohorts, Virulence factors

I am a Professor of Public Health (Micorbiology), and my specialty is Medical Mycology. I am currently working on four PhD theses with my students (self-funded work), where we isolate dermatophytes, and identify their species and genotype and then we sequence their genes for itraconazole and terbinafine resistance. so far, two Trichophyton indotinea species have been identified from our patients. I hope that we can perform further -omics work on our isolates, especiallly with this globally emerging multifungal resistant species, T. indotinea.

I am Professor of Public Health , majoring in Microbiology and my specilaty is Mycology. My ORCID is : https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3173-304X
I am willing to find a collaborator who would help us improve the molecular characterization of our clinical isolates of Candida and dermatophytes. At our lab , we receive dermatophyte isolates that show resistance to azoles using microbroth dilution method and MIC determination. I am interested in collaborating with center that improve where we can improve our research skills regarding molecular characterization of virulence factors and antifungal resistance mutations and mechanisms, as well as searching for novel antifungals for MDR dermatohpytes , including Trichophyton indotinea (which we have characterized using Sanger sequencing).

Barnabas

Godfrey Chihekwe

Dermatology Unit

Commercial Organisation

RadTech Polyclinic

Tanzania

Antifungal use, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Immunology, Outreach

My country is located in the high humidity area with also widely dissemination Neglected Tropical Diseases including Skin diseases like fungal infections esp.candida, yeast and mycoses.

Therefore,due to various health challenges including immune system diseases,it is seen of medical importance to put more efforts on holistic research methods and education so secure detailed knowledge on combination therapies, antifungal resistance and wrong myths in the community about general skin disease issues

Briefly,I secure my medical edition from mafinga medical college in Tanzania,Brianae university(USA) African campus ,Bruker Daltonics Laboratory (Fremont USA) taking analysis and measurement studies, Neglected Tropical Diseases Dermatology course 1&2 from world health organisation (WHO) college and nuclear medicine short courses from the Ansto organisation (Australia). The concerned organisations got my details since year 2007

Olajumoke

Sule

microbiologist

Academia

United Kingdom Health Security Agency

United Kingdom

Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, One Health and Education

I am a microbiologist working for UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) with various areas of interest in infectious diseases.
My area of interest is building capacity in infectious diseases diagnostics and I lead the UKHSA International Health Regulations Strengthening Project laboratory team. We are currently working with Zambia Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute to build capacity in fungal diagnostics.

Link to my ORCID page: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2659-2230
Cambridge University Hospitals page: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/staff-directory/dr-jumoke-sule/
UKHSA IHRSP Global Health Network page: https://gphihr.tghn.org/articles/strengthening-microbiology-through-mentorships-national-approach-zambia/

I am a consultant microbiologist working at UK Health Security Agency Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory based at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. I spend half of my time working as a clinical microbiologist and the other half working as a Global Health Microbiologist for UK Health Security Agency. My interests include laboratory diagnostics, education and training, quality improvement.

Doctor

Guyguy

Kamwiziku

Microbiologist/mycology

Academia

Université de Kinshasa

Congo

Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Other spp.

Please find these link:
doi:10.1111/myc.13339
https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8101047.
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00656-9

I’m a microbiologist since 2015 at the University Hospital of Kinshasa and I interrested since 2021 to the fungal disease. I’m a PhD student at the faculty of medicine in the university of Kinshasa and my research focus on aspergillosis. I’m a GAFFI (Global action for the fungal infection) ambassador for the DRCongo. In the DRC, fungal diseases are neglected infectious diseases compare to the bacteria, viruses and parasitologic diseases. We usually think about it in case of failure with antibiotics. When the clinic is suspected, empirical treatment is given due to a lack of rapid diagnosis and precision.I published my first paper on review the burden of fungal in the DRCongo in 2021 and I participate to a review on advanced diagnostic in HIV with GAFFI in 2022. A paper on Knowledge and Practices of Healthcare workers on fungal diseases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study is in review for an acceptation.

Enseignant chercheur

Ahou Sandrine

Konan

Enseignante

Academia

Université Alassane Ouattara

Côte d’Ivoire

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education, Other spp., Outreach, Sporothrix, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Dermatophytose

Assistante cheffe de bio clinique en parasitologie mycologie

Przemek

Zakrzewski

Senior Research Associate

Academia

University of Bristol

United Kingdom

Candida, Immunology, Microbial Pathogenesis

My current scientific interests are centred around the intricacies of neutrophil development, particularly focusing on the fundamental molecular pathway controlling this process and also their role in systemic inflammation occurring in diseases like malaria and sepsis.

I am an experienced cell biologist with expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and microscopy techniques. I have over eight years of experience working with Drosophila and mouse models in the field of developmental biology, with also two years specialising in biochemistry and cell signalling, and currently, I’m developing my skills in immunology especially focusing on stem cell technology. My current scientific interests are centred around the intricacies of neutrophil development, particularly focusing on the fundamental molecular pathway controlling this process and also their role in systemic inflammation occurring in diseases like malaria and sepsis.

PhD

Thais

Fraga-Silva

Professor

Academia

Federal University of Alagoas

Brazil

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Aspergillus, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immunology, Patient cohorts

My main focus is on pathogen-host interaction, evaluating the host’s immune response to different Candida strains. More recently, I have approved projects involving the epidemiology and diagnosis of Candida and Aspergillus, in both humans and animals.

I am currently a Microbiology professor at the Federal University of Alagoas (Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil) and a Research Fellow of CNPq. My ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2053-8938 and ResearcherID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/D-3962-2016.

Angie Lorena

Fonseca Fernández

Graduate teaching assistant

Academia

Universidad de Los Andes

Colombia

Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Diagnostics, Host-pathogen interactions, Virulence factors

I am a Microbiologist with a Masterâ€™s degree in Microbiology. My current research focuses on the metabolic pathways involved in phosphate homeostasis in Malassezia, a genus of lipid-dependent yeasts. I am particularly fascinated by the hostâ€“pathogen interaction and how these metabolic traits influence fungal virulence. I have a deep interest in exploring new therapeutic alternatives against fungal pathogens, especially through the development and evaluation of different molecules but focus on antimicrobial peptides.

My name is Angie Lorena Fonseca FernÃ¡ndez,I am Colombian microbiologist with a Master’s degree in Microbiology from the National University of Colombia, and currently a Ph.D. student in Biological Sciences at Universidad de los Andes. My academic training and research experience have focused on medical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and fungal pathogenesis. I have worked on the molecular characterization and in vitro testing of antimicrobial peptides against Staphylococcus aureus, and more recently, I have focused on the development of genetic tools for Malassezia furfur using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. My goal is to better understand the genetic basis of virulence and host adaptation in fungal pathogens through experimental and computational approaches. I have presented my work at national and international conferences, and I am committed to advancing microbial research with translational impact.

Posdoctoral researcher

Daniélle

Santos Lima

Researcher

Academia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

AI/new tools, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Other spp., Sporothrix, Vaccine development, Virulence factors, Working with industry

Main research interests:
Development of new antifungal therapies
Fungal biofilm formation
Fungal immunotherapy

https://wwws.cnpq.br/cvlattesweb/PKG_MENU.menu?f_cod=0B75CD2F27545B7DE8CB1A56114873B3#

Raif

Yuecel

Director

Academia

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Antigen, Biomarker, Candida, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Monitoring transmission, Omics, Outreach, Working with industry

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/34186-raif-yuecel

Bachelor of science

Jose

Quiros

Microbiologist

Commercial Organisation

Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Costa Rica

Costa Rica

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Innovative Platforms, Lateral Flow test, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, One Health and Education

My main research interests relate to efficient diagnosis, the use of new technologies, the application of artificial intelligence, and managing the disease in conjunction with the patient.

Clinical Microbiologist and Chemist with 8 years of experience working at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Costa Rica, along with experience in sectors such as clinical chemistry, immunology, bacteriology, and mycology.

MAGISTER MICOLOGIA CLINICA

CHRISTIAN

ALVAREZ

PROFESOR ASOCIADO DE FACULTAD DE BIOQUIMICA DE TUCUMAN

Academia

Universidad Nacional de Tucumán

Argentina

AI/new tools, Antifungal use, Antigen, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Histoplasma, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Lateral Flow test, Monitoring transmission, Mucorales or Mucormycoses, Patient cohorts, Patient engagement, Virulence factors

My research focuses on medical mycology, with an emphasis on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of clinically relevant mycoses. I am particularly interested in infections caused by dimorphic fungi, opportunistic mycoses, and emerging pathogens, as well as the optimization of mycological diagnostic methods in the clinical laboratory. I also work in quality assurance within the microbiology laboratory, addressing risk management, continuous improvement, and process standardization. In applied research, I have participated in projects related to the antifungal activity of nanoparticles, environmental screening for pathogens, and clinical-microbiological studies of deep and superficial mycoses

I am a biochemist specializing in medical mycology, with experience in clinical diagnostics, applied research, and quality management in microbiology laboratories. My work focuses on mycoses of public health relevance, particularly those caused by dimorphic fungi, opportunistic agents, and emerging pathogens. Throughout my career, I have developed an interest in the clinical and microbiological characterization of complex cases, the standardization of diagnostic processes, and the implementation of quality systems focused on continuous improvement. I have participated in projects related to the antifungal activity of nanoparticles, environmental studies of pathogenic fungi, and epidemiological analyses of deep and superficial mycoses. I currently serve as Head of the Mycology Division in a reference laboratory and as a university lecturer in the Mycology Department, where I integrate research, professional training, and clinical practice. I seek to collaborate on initiatives that integrate diagnostic innovation, mycological surveillance, biosafety, and process optimization. as well as in networks that promote interdisciplinary research and the development of tools applied to diagnosis, education and quality in clinical laboratories.

Christine

Bii

Chief Research Scientist

Academia

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Kenya

AFR factors, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Candida, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Virulence factors

I am Senior Principal Research Scientist and Acting Deputy Director, Centre for Microbiology Research with a PhD in Medical Mycology from Kyorin University School of Medicine-Tokyo, Japan with over 30 years in research and training in Mycology. I spearheaded the establishment of the only Medical Mycology Research, Training and Diagnostic Division at KEMRI. My research focus is on opportunistic human mycoses such as; Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, cryptococcoses, Pneumocystis jirovencii, Candida speciation, dermatophytosis, mycetoma and mycotoxins. Iam is particularly interested in diagnostic mycology, environmental mycology, antifungal drug resistance mechanism, surveillance and bio prospects for new antimicrobials from fungi and plants to combat antimicrobial resistance. I am also lecturer, mentor and coordinate the Medical Mycology Post-Graduate course at the KEMRI-Graduate School. I have mentored over 50 post graduate students and published over 90 manuscripts in peer reviewed journals. I have worn several grants awards as a PI/Co PI towards addressing fungal infections as an emerging yet neglected field and shown case the significance of human mycoses in Kenya. I am a certified Health Impact Assessment expert, with planning, leadership and management skills. My motivation is to make a difference in diagnosis, research and capacity building in human mycoses.

Martha F. Mushi a, Conjester I. Mtemisika a, Oliver Bader b, Christine Bii C, Mariam M. Mirambo a, Uwe GroÃŸ b, Stephen E. Mshana a High Oral Carriage of Non-albicans Candida spp. among HIV-infected individuals. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 49 (2016) 185â€“188. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2016.07.001.
John A Guto, Christine C Bii, David W Denning. Estimated burden of fungal infections in Kenya. J Infect Dev Ctries 2016; 10(8):777-784. doi:10.3855/jidc.
CC Bii, Kose J, Taguchi H, Amukoye E, Ouko TT, Muita LC, Mugasia O, Wamae N, Kamiya S. Pneumocystis jirovecii and microbiological findings in children with severe pneumonia in Nairobi, Kenya. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2006: 10(11):1-6
Bii C, Korir K. R., Rugut J., and Mutai C. (2010). The potential use of Prunus africana for the control, treatment and management of common fungal and bacterial infections. Journal of medicinal plants research, Vol. 4(11), pp. 995-998. DOI: 10.5897/JMPR09.227, ISSN 1996-0875.
Bii CC, Makimura K, Abe S, Taguchi H, Mugasia OM, Revathi G, Wamae CN, Kamiya S. Serotypes and azole resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans MATÎ± from clinical sources in Nairobi Kenya. Mycoses. 2006; 450:25-30.
Mourine Kangogo, Oliver Bader, Hamadi Boga, Wanjiru Wanyoike, Claudia Folba,Navaporn Worasilchai, Michael Weig, Uwe GroÃŸ and Christine C. Bii. Molecular types of Cryptococcus gattii/Cryptococcus neoformans species complex from clinical and environmental sources in Nairobi, Kenya. Mycoses; doi:10.1111/myc.12411 Â© 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
M. Kangogo, H. Boga, W. Wanyoike and C. Bii. Isolation and characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii from environmental sources in Nairobi, Kenya. East African Medical Journal Vol. 91 No. 8 August 2014.
Kirui, M. C., Alakonya, A. E., Talam, K. K., Tohru, G., & Bii C. C. (2014). Total aflatoxin, fumonisin and deoxynivalenol contamination of busaa in Bomet County, Kenya. African Journal of Biotechnology, 13(26), 2675-267.
Talaam, K.K, Kirui, M.C, Ngaâ€™ngâ€™a, Z.W, Olga, M, Ouko, T and Bii, C.C. (2014). Mycological quality of â€˜Mursikâ€™ Collected from Soliat Location, Kericho County, Kenya. Afr J Health Sci. 27(2):138-147.
Kemoi E.K., Okemo P., Bii C.C. (2012). Isolation of Candida species from domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) droppings in Kabigeriet village, Nakuru county Kenya. European Scientific Journal. Vol. 9, pg 309-318, No. 36 ISSN: 1857-7881 (Print) e- ISSN 1857-7431.
Elizabeth Nyambura Mwaura, Vivian Matiru and Christine Bii. Mycological findings of sputum samples from pulmonary tuberculosis attending TB clinic in Nairobi. Virol Mycol 2013, 2:3 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0517.1000119.
Ooga VB, Gikunju J, Bii CC. Characterization and antifungal drug susceptibility of clinical isolates of Candida spp. African Journal of Health Sciences. 2011. 19: 80-87.
Gitau AM, Ngâ€™anga Z, Sigilai W, Bii C. Fungal infections among diabetic foot ulcer-patients attending diabetic clinic in Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. East African Medical Journal Vol. 88 No. 4 April 2011.
Siboe G.M., Kimathi G.M., Bii C.C. (1996). The role of airborne fungal spores from garbage dumps in respiratory diseases. African Journal of Health Sciences. 3 (3).
C.C. Bii, T.T. Ouko, E. Amukoye, and L.W. Githinji (2002). Antifungal drug susceptibility of Candida albicans. East African Medical Journal. 79(3): 143-145.

Milouda

Chihi

PhD

Academia

Université Hassan II – Aïn Chock

Morocco

AI/new tools, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Omics, One Health and Education, Patient cohorts

During my PhD in Genetics, Immunology, and Molecular Biology at the University Hassan II of Casablanca, my research focused on the immunogenetic profiling of Moroccan patients with dermatomyositis (DM), an autoimmune inflammatory myopathy. The overarching goal was to understand the genetic factors and immune mechanisms underlying disease susceptibility and clinical heterogeneity.
I applied a combination of molecular biology, immunology, and statistical approaches. This included:
â€¢ Genotyping of HLA-DRB1 polymorphisms
â€¢ Assessment of myositis-specific autoantibodies and correlation with clinical manifestations and HLA-DRB1 alleles.
â€¢ Statistical analysis using SPSS and GraphPad Prism integrating genetic and clinical data to identify potential genotypeâ€“phenotype associations.
â€¢ Standard molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and imaging of tissue samples.
My findings revealed novel correlations between myositis-specific autoantibodies, HLA polymorphisms and clinical features in DM patients, contributing to the understanding of genetic susceptibility and immune dysregulation in this rare disease. These results were disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Through this work, I developed rigor in experimental design, precision in laboratory techniques, and competency in statistical and computational analyses, while gaining experience in collaborating with clinical teams and mentoring junior researchers.

PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Immunology

Dr.

SERGIO

CUOZZO

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

Academia

Universidad Nacional de Tucumán

Argentina

Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Immunology, Omics

My interest focuses on actinobacteria, their secondary metabolites, their biotechnological and immunoregulatory properties in commercial agricultural crops and bioremediation.

He is a Biochemist and holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the National University of TucumÃ¡n. He completed his doctoral work at CERELA and pursued postdoctoral training at ENITIAA (National School of Engineers and Technologists in Agri-Food) in Nantes, France; Western University in London, Canada; and the Center for Marine Biotechnology at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute in the United States.

He is currently a CONICET researcher and serves as Head of Practical Work in the Department of Molecular Biology at the National University of TucumÃ¡n. His research focuses on molecular techniques and the elucidation of pesticide degradation pathways mediated by actinobacteria in environmental decontamination processes. He also investigates biofilm formation and the interaction between Streptomyces and nanoparticles during bioremediation.

An additional line of his research explores the biological effects of actinobacterial exopolysaccharides on modified cell lines, their potential hypoglycemic properties, and the application of Streptomyces in probiotic formulations.

He has supervised six undergraduate theses and one doctoral dissertation, and has mentored several doctoral and postdoctoral fellows as well as undergraduate students. He is currently supervising an ongoing doctoral dissertation.

Professor

Karim

Naghmouchi

Professor

Academia

Université de Tunis El Manar

Tunisia

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Aspergillus, Biomarker, Candida, Combination therapies, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Host-pathogen interactions, Immune adaptation, Immunotherapies, Omics, Working with industry

I am Karim Naghmouchi, associate professor in biochemistry at the Faculty of Sciences Tunis (El Manar University). My research interests are diverse, focusing on the antimicrobial properties of natural substances, the potential of probiotics, and the application of biotechnology in pharmaceutical and Food agriculture sectors.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Naghmouchi+K&cauthor_id=35022998
https://africaresearchconnects.com/author/1000995947/

Naghmouchi has held significant positions at UniversitÃ© de Tunis El Manar, where he contributed to the Faculty of Sciences, and at Al Baha University in Saudi Arabia. His research interests are diverse, focusing on the antimicrobial properties of natural substances, the potential of probiotics, and the application of biotechnology in agriculture. His recent work includes exploring probiotic lactic acid bacteria derived from Tunisian edible snails, showcasing his dedication to harnessing local biodiversity for health benefits.

Throughout his career, Naghmouchi has collaborated with various research institutions, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and UniversitÃ© Laval, where he engaged in projects that bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. His contributions to the field are well-documented in numerous publications, where he has examined topics ranging from the synergistic effects of bacteriocins to the antimicrobial properties of medicinal plants.

Naghmouchi’s research has garnered support from various funding bodies, including the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and the Canadian Fonds pour la Formation de Chercheurs et l’Aide Ã la Recherche, underscoring his impact and recognition within the scientific community. His work not only advances academic discourse but also has practical implications for agriculture and health, making him a valuable asset to the fields of microbiology and biotechnology.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Naghmouchi+K&cauthor_id=35022998

BSc in Bacteriology; MSc

Silvia Katherine

Carvajal Valencia

Research assistant

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Colombia

Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Virulence factors

My main research interests lie in the fields of clinical microbiology, molecular biology, mycology, and microbial pathogenesis. I am particularly focused on understanding antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and the virulence factors that drive pathogen survival, persistence, and disease progression. In addition, I have a strong interest in biosafety and biosecurity practices, especially as they relate to safe and reliable laboratory workflows in both clinical and research environments. I am motivated by the integration of molecular techniques, culture-based diagnostics, and pathogen characterization to improve our understanding of infectious agents and to support the development of evidence-based strategies for detection, prevention, and control of infectious diseases.

I am a Bacteriologist and master Biological Sciences with experience in clinical microbiology, molecular biology, and mycology, with a strong focus on pathogen characterization and infectious disease research. My background includes clinical laboratory training as well as research experience in microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence factor analysis. I have extensive experience working with fungal models such as Aspergillus spp., Candida auris, and Cryptococcus neoformans.
In addition to my microbiology expertise, I am deeply committed to biosafety and biosecurity, with training and applied experience in the implementation of safe laboratory practices, risk assessment, and containment strategies in both clinical and research settings. My broader interests involve collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to studying infectious agentsâ€”especially fungal pathogensâ€”and exploring mechanisms underlying hostâ€“pathogen interactions. I am motivated by projects that connect basic microbiology with practical applications in diagnostics, public health, and laboratory safety.

Nakisa

Sohrabi Haghdoost

Assistant professor

Academia

Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Iran, Tehran

United Kingdom

My research interests focus on fungal biology, antifungal resistance, and the discovery of new antifungal agents from natural, probiotic and postbiotic sources. I work with molecular and omics-based approachesâ€” including PCR, real-time PCR, bioinformatics, proteomics and transcriptomicsâ€”to study fungal virulence pathways and to characterise pathogenic fungi. I am also interested in integrating laboratory findings with modern analytical tools to support early-stage antifungal research and innovation.

I am an Assistant Professor of Mycology with extensive experience in fungal biology, antifungal resistance and microbial biotechnology. My work focuses on characterising pathogenic fungi, exploring natural, probiotic and postbiotic-derived antifungal agents, and applying molecular diagnosticsâ€”including PCR, real-time PCR and bioinformaticsâ€”to study virulence and resistance pathways.

I have published widely on Candida species, dermatophytes, foodborne fungi, mycotoxins and antimicrobial materials, and I have contributed to interdisciplinary research across veterinary and medical mycology. I mentor MSc and PhD students, review scientific manuscripts and deliver workshops in fungal identification and primer design.

Alongside my current academic work, I have completed specialised training in drug discovery and molecular methods and maintain active membership in the American Society for Microbiology and the Scientific Association of Medical Mycology of Iran. I am also expanding my interest and skills in omics-based approachesâ€”such as proteomics, transcriptomics and advanced bioinformaticsâ€”with the aim of integrating these tools into future antifungal discovery projects.

Miss

Memory Finally

Siyeni

Medical laboratory technologist

Academia

Malawi University of Science and Technology

Malawi

AI/new tools, Animal health, environmental and climatic change factors, Antifungal susceptibility, Antifungal use, Biomarker, Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Climate change impact on AFR, Cryptococcus, Diagnostics, Education and Workshops, Immunology, Immunotherapies, Industry engagement, Innovative Platforms, Microbial Pathogenesis, Monitoring transmission, One Health and Education, Outreach, Patient engagement, Vaccine development

My main research interests focus on One Health, particularly how animal health, environmental and climatic change factors influence infectious disease emergence and transmission. I am especially interested in Cryptococcus, antifungal susceptibility testing, and understanding the impact of climate change on AIDS-related fungal infections (AFR).

I am also passionate about the development and application of AI and new diagnostic tools, as well as exploring avenues for vaccine development to address emerging and re-emerging infections.

Beyond research, I actively engage in education, training workshops, outreach, and patient engagement, with a strong commitment to improving scientific literacy and community health. I also value industry engagement as a pathway to translate laboratory innovations into practical solutions.

I do not currently have a staff profile page.

Memory Siyeni is an early-career laboratory technologist and emerging One Health professional with a deep commitment to understanding how human, animal, and environmental health systems interact to shape disease patterns. She holds a Bachelorâ€™s degree in Biomedical Sciences (Upper Second Class) from Mzuzu University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in One Health at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), where she is strengthening her interdisciplinary perspective on global health challenges.

Her practical experience spans several clinical and research settings including Chiradzulu District Hospital, Phalombe District Hospital, and MASM Medi Clinics where she has gained extensive hands-on skills in ELISA, PCR, PBMC processing, Salmonella diagnostics, and contributed to frontline outbreak response as cholera surge staff. Through these roles, Memory developed a strong foundation in infectious disease diagnostics and an understanding of how microbial threats affect communities in real-world conditions.

Her growing research passion focuses on fungal infections, particularly Cryptococcus, and the urgent need for improved antifungal susceptibility testing, especially in regions heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. Her interest in fungal diseases is driven by the persistent burden they pose in low-resource settings and the limited availability of treatment options. She is also motivated by the emerging evidence that climate change is altering the distribution, virulence, and epidemiology of fungal pathogens, contributing to rising cases of AIDS-related fungal infections (AFR). This has inspired her interest in vaccine development and other innovative interventions that could reduce mortality among vulnerable populations.

Memory is equally interested in how AI and new diagnostic technologies can transform disease surveillance and strengthen early detection, particularly in rural or underserved communities. She believes that integrating digital innovation with traditional laboratory science is essential to achieving equitable health outcomes.

Beyond research, Memory is passionate about education, scientific workshops, capacity building, community outreach, and patient engagement. She values collaboration and seeks to contribute to regional and global networks that promote evidence-based solutions, knowledge exchange, and sustainable One Health interventions.

Memory aims to build a career that bridges laboratory science, environmental health research, and public health practice, driving forward innovative, community-centred approaches that improve health systems and protect populations from emerging infectious threats.

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