Beibei Ge | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Beibei Ge | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Prof. Beibei Ge is a leading researcher in the field of biological control of plant diseases and microbial biotechnology. Her research primarily focuses on the development and utilization of agricultural microorganisms, particularly Streptomyces-derived metabolites such as wuyiencin, to combat major fungal pathogens including Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Her studies integrate molecular biology, microbiology, and metabolomics to elucidate the biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms of antimicrobial compounds produced by beneficial microorganisms. Prof. Beibei Ge has made significant contributions to understanding how Streptomyces species synthesize bioactive secondary metabolites and how these metabolites can be optimized through genetic engineering and mutagenesis breeding to enhance biocontrol efficacy. Her group has demonstrated the mechanisms of pathogen inhibition, induction of plant defense responses, and synergistic effects of biopesticide combinations such as wuyiencin with ε-poly-L-lysine or pyrimethanil, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. She also explores the impact of biopesticides on soil and rhizosphere microbial communities, contributing valuable insights into their ecological safety and interactions. Prof. Beibei Ge has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers in international journals, including Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Biological Control, Plant Disease, and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. Her notable publications reveal both mechanistic insights and practical applications of microbial biocontrol in horticultural systems. Her work has been supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Key R&D Programs, underscoring its strategic importance in agricultural innovation. With 747 citations across 34 publications and an h-index of 14, Prof. Beibei Ge’s research demonstrates a strong scientific impact in advancing eco-friendly plant protection, bridging microbial biotechnology with sustainable agriculture.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles

Featured Publications

  • Zhang, W., Cao, Y., Li, H., Rasmey, A.-H. M., Zhang, K., Shi, L., & Ge, B.* (2024). Membrane protein Bcsdr2 mediates biofilm integrity, hyphal growth and virulence of Botrytis cinerea. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 108, 398.

  • Lu, Y., Wei, S., Wang, J., Cao, Y., Han, X., Xu, C., Wang, F., & Ge, B. (2024). Biocontrol of Botrytis cinerea by Streptomyces noursei C27 and preliminary identification of antimicrobial metabolites. Biological Control, 196, 105561.

  • Xie, J.#, Li, B.#, Li, J., Ran, L., & Ge, B.* (2024). Effect of combining Wuyiencin and Pyrimethanil on controlling grape gray mold and delaying resistance development in Botrytis cinerea. Microorganisms, 12, 1383.

  • Xie, J.#, Wisnu, A. W.#, Lv, Z., Berg, G., Cernava, T., & Ge, B. (2023). Rhizosphere bacteria show a stronger response to antibiotic-based biopesticide than to conventional pesticides. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 458, 132035.

  • Yang, M., Zhang, W., Lv, Z., Shi, L., Zhang, K., & Ge, B.* (2023). Biocontrol of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by inducing defense response in soybean using Wuyiencin produced by Streptomyces albulus CK-15. Plant Disease, 107(1), 107–115.

Nadia Nadejda Berkova | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nadia Nadejda Berkova | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Director, INRAE-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, France

Dr. Nadia Nadejda Berkova is an internationally recognized microbiologist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, interact with host cells and modulate immune responses. Her work has extensively explored bacterial virulence factors, including cyclomodulins, lipoproteins, phenol-soluble modulins, and staphylococcal enterotoxins, elucidating their roles in altering host cell cycle progression, immune signaling, and infection dynamics. By combining cellular microbiology, molecular biology, and immunological approaches, Dr. Nadia Nadejda Berkova has advanced the understanding of bacterial strategies for subverting host defenses and promoting infection. Her laboratory employs innovative methodologies, integrating in vitro cellular models, murine in vivo systems, and advanced molecular and biochemical techniques to dissect host–pathogen interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. She has made seminal contributions in demonstrating how bacterial extracellular vesicles and specific virulence factors elicit immunostimulatory or immunomodulatory responses, with implications for infectious disease pathogenesis, immune regulation, and potential therapeutic interventions. Dr. Nadia Nadejda Berkova’s research has resulted in a substantial body of highly cited publications in top-tier journals such as Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology and Infection and Immunity. Notable studies include investigations into the immunostimulatory effects of S. aureus extracellular vesicles, the modulation of interleukin expression by phenol-soluble modulins in bovine epithelial cells, and the impact of Lpl lipoproteins on HeLa cell cycle progression. Her work has provided critical insights into bacterial manipulation of eukaryotic cell cycles and host immune responses, contributing to the broader understanding of microbial pathogenicity. Through her research, Dr. Nadia Nadejda Berkova has significantly influenced the field of microbiology by uncovering novel mechanisms of host–pathogen interactions, shaping current perspectives on bacterial virulence, and fostering the development of innovative strategies to combat infectious diseases. Her findings continue to guide both basic research and translational approaches aimed at mitigating bacterial infections.

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Featured Publications

1. Berkova, N., Guedon, E., Le Loir, Y., & Otto, M. (2025). Host DNA damage and cellular fate in bacterial infections, with a focus on Staphylococcus aureus. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, fuaf052.

2. Chaumond, E., Peron, S., Daniel, N., Le Gouar, Y., Guédon, É., Williams, D. L., Le Loir, Y., Jan, G., & Berkova, N. (2023). Development of innate immune memory by non-immune cells during Staphylococcus aureus infection depends on reactive oxygen species. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1138539.

3. Nicolas, A., Deplanche, M., Commere, P. H., Diot, A., Genthon, C., Marques da Silva, W., Azevedo, V., Germon, P., Jamme, H., Guédon, E., Le Loir, Y., Laurent, F., Bierne, H., & Berkova, N. (2022). Transcriptome architecture of osteoblastic cells infected with Staphylococcus aureus reveals strong inflammatory responses and signatures of metabolic and epigenetic dysregulation. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 12, 854242.

4. Leite, E. L., Oliveira, A. F. Jr., Carmo, F. L. R. D., Berkova, N., Barh, D., Ghosh, P., & Azevedo, V. (2020). Bacteriocins as an alternative in the treatment of infections by Staphylococcus aureus. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 92(Suppl. 2), e20201216.

5. Lima Leite, E., Gautron, A., Deplanche, M., Nicolas, A., Ossemond, J., Nguyen, M. T., do Carmo, F. L. R., Gilot, D., Azevedo, V., Götz, F., Le Loir, Y., Otto, M., & Berkova, N. (2020). Involvement of caspase-1 in inflammasomes activation and bacterial clearance in S. aureus-infected osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. Cellular Microbiology, 22(8), e13204.

6. Imanishi, I., Nicolas, A., Barbosa Caetano, A. C., de Paula Castro, T. L., Tartaglia, N. R., Mariutti, R., Guédon, E., Even, S., Berkova, N., Arni, R. K., Seyffert, N., Azevedo, V., Nishifuji, K., & Le Loir, Y. (2020). Author correction: Exfoliative toxin E, a new Staphylococcus aureus virulence factor with host-specific activity. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 2460.

7. Imanishi, I., Nicolas, A., Caetano, A. B., Castro, T. L. P., Tartaglia, N. R., Mariutti, R., Guédon, E., Even, S., Berkova, N., Arni, R. K., Seyffert, N., Azevedo, V., Nishifuji, K., & Le Loir, Y. (2019). Exfoliative toxin E, a new Staphylococcus aureus virulence factor with host-specific activity. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 16336.

8. Deplanche, M., Mouhali, N., Nguyen, M. T., Cauty, C., Ezan, F., Diot, A., Raulin, L., Dutertre, S., Langouet, S., Legembre, P., Taieb, F., Otto, M., Laurent, F., Götz, F., Le Loir, Y., & Berkova, N. (2019). Staphylococcus aureus induces DNA damage in host cell. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 7694.

9. Tartaglia, N. R., Breyne, K., Meyer, E., Cauty, C., Jardin, J., Chrétien, D., Dupont, A., Demeyere, K., Berkova, N., Azevedo, V., Guédon, E., & Le Loir, Y. (2018). Staphylococcus aureus extracellular vesicles elicit an immunostimulatory response in vivo on the murine mammary gland. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 8, 277.

Abouzar Babaei | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abouzar Babaei | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Medical Virology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Abouzar Babaei is an Assistant Professor of Medical Virology at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran, specializing in translational virology, stem cell therapy, and oncolytic virus-based cancer research. He earned his Ph.D. in Medical Virology from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran (2020), with a dissertation evaluating the efficacy of combination therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) loaded with oncolytic Reovirus, Irinotecan, and Napabucasin (BBI608) in colorectal cancer mouse models, following an MSc in Medical Virology from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (2016) focused on the prevalence and phylogenetic characterization of human metapneumovirus, and a BSc and Associate Degree in Veterinary Laboratory Sciences from Tabriz University (2011, 2009). His primary research interests include stem cell-based cancer therapies, oncolytic viruses, antiviral strategies, and virology, with emerging work on nanoparticle-mediated anticancer and antiviral applications. Dr. Abouzar Babaei has extensive laboratory and translational research experience, including MSC extraction and characterization, tumor model development in BALB/c mice, molecular assays (PCR, real-time PCR), virus propagation and titration, hemagglutination and ELISA assays, and in vitro functional studies. His key contributions encompass pioneering MSC-oncolytic virus combination therapies, evaluating copper oxide nanoparticles for anticancer and antiviral effects, and systematic studies of viral prevalence in clinical populations. He has been recognized as Top PhD Student (2018, TMU), Top MSc Student (2015, SUMS), and Top Student in the PhD Board Exam (2018, TMU). He is an active member of the Iranian Society of Medical Virology and the Tarbiat Modares Virology Student Association, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and international collaborations. Dr. Abouzar Babaei has 22 publications, 282 citations, and an h-index of 10. His work advances translational medicine by integrating cutting-edge virology and stem cell technologies to develop novel cancer and antiviral therapies, bridging laboratory research with clinical applications, and promoting global biomedical innovation with societal impact.

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Featured Publications

1. Aghbash, P. S., Hemmat, N., Nahand, J. S., Shamekh, A., Memar, M. Y., Babaei, A., … & [additional authors]. (2021). The role of Th17 cells in viral infections. International Immunopharmacology, 91, 107331.

2. Babaei, A., Mousavi, S. M., Ghasemi, M., Pirbonyeh, N., Soleimani, M., & Moattari, A. (2021). Gold nanoparticles show potential in vitro antiviral and anticancer activity. Life Sciences, 284, 119652.

3. Babaei, A., Pouremamali, A., Rafiee, N., Sohrabi, H., Mokhtarzadeh, A., … & [additional authors]. (2022). Genosensors as an alternative diagnostic sensing approaches for specific detection of virus species: A review of common techniques and outcomes. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 155, 116686.

4. Babaei, A., Soleimanjahi, H., Soleimani, M., & Arefian, E. (2021). Mesenchymal stem cells loaded with oncolytic reovirus enhances antitumor activity in mice models of colorectal cancer. Biochemical Pharmacology, 190, 114644.

5. Afrakhteh, H., Joharinia, N., Momen, A., Dowran, R., Babaei, A., Namdari, P., … & [additional authors]. (2021). Relative frequency of hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex viruses in the semen of fertile and infertile men in Shiraz, Iran: A comparative study. International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, 19(8), 699–710.

 

Shoukui Hu | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shoukui Hu | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Laboratory Director at Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, China.

Dr. Shoukui Hu is a distinguished clinical laboratory scientist with expertise in pathogenic biology and molecular biology. He currently serves as the Director of the Clinical Laboratory and Blood Transfusion Department at Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China. With more than two decades of experience in medical microbiology and molecular epidemiology, Dr. Hu has made significant contributions to infectious disease diagnostics, laboratory medicine, and hospital-based blood safety management. His academic training and career development have been rooted in prestigious national institutions such as the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) and Anhui Agricultural University. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he actively leads research and training initiatives in clinical diagnostics and molecular pathogen identification. Dr. Hu has held leadership and technical roles in national and regional disease control laboratories, including serving as Deputy Director of the Microbiological Laboratory at Anhui CDC. His postdoctoral work focused on molecular epidemiology, where he deepened his knowledge of infectious disease transmission and public health responses. Dr. Hu’s ongoing commitment to improving laboratory services and his engagement in translational research have established him as a key figure in China’s hospital and public health laboratory networks. His career reflects a strong blend of leadership, innovation, and service.

📝Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓Education

Dr. Shoukui Hu has pursued a comprehensive academic journey in microbiology, pathogenic biology, and public health. He obtained his Ph.D. in Pathogenic Biology from the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, from 2009 to 2014. His doctoral studies focused on the biological mechanisms of pathogens, particularly those relevant to communicable diseases in China. Prior to his Ph.D., Dr. Hu completed his Master’s degree in Microbiology between 2001 and 2004 through a joint program between the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention and Anhui Agricultural University. This multidisciplinary collaboration offered him both theoretical and practical exposure to microbial diagnostics and epidemiology. His academic foundation was established at Anhui Science and Technology University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1999. This progression from undergraduate to doctoral studies underscores his long-standing commitment to scientific inquiry in the field of microbiology and laboratory medicine. Throughout his educational trajectory, Dr. Hu has cultivated a rigorous scientific mindset and built a strong foundation in experimental and translational research, equipping him for his later leadership roles in clinical and diagnostic laboratories.

💼Professional Experience

Dr. Shoukui Hu brings over 20 years of professional experience in clinical diagnostics, public health, and laboratory management. Since November 2016, he has served as the Senior Technologist and Director of the Clinical Laboratory and Blood Transfusion Department at Peking University Shougang Hospital. In this role, he oversees diagnostic workflows, laboratory quality control, and blood safety protocols, while also mentoring technical staff. From July 2014 to October 2016, he undertook a postdoctoral fellowship in Molecular Epidemiology at the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, contributing to research on infectious disease patterns and pathogen evolution. Briefly in 2014, he worked as an Associate Senior Technologist in the Clinical Laboratory at Peking University International Hospital, where he implemented advanced diagnostic technologies. Prior to these roles, Dr. Hu held a key leadership position from 2004 to 2014 as Deputy Director of the Microbiological Laboratory at Anhui CDC. There, he played a critical role in regional disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and microbiological diagnostics. His rich professional background encompasses both hospital-based and public health laboratory environments, making him a versatile and experienced leader in the Chinese medical laboratory system.

🔬Research Interest

Dr. Shoukui Hu’s primary research interests lie in pathogenic biology and molecular biology, particularly focusing on the mechanisms of infectious disease transmission, diagnosis, and control. He is particularly interested in molecular diagnostics for communicable diseases, including the development and optimization of real-time PCR, nucleic acid amplification, and sequencing-based identification techniques. His work explores the molecular epidemiology of bacterial and viral pathogens, aiming to trace their origins, genetic evolution, and resistance profiles. These interests were further honed during his postdoctoral fellowship, where he investigated the molecular characteristics and transmission dynamics of key human pathogens. Additionally, Dr. Hu is actively engaged in research related to clinical laboratory improvement, blood transfusion safety, and the integration of novel biomolecular tools into diagnostic workflows. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to enhance infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response capacity in clinical and public health settings. Through his dual expertise in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics, Dr. Hu seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice, with the goal of improving patient care and public health outcomes through science-driven innovations.

🧠Research Skills

Dr. Shoukui Hu possesses a diverse set of research and laboratory skills that support his work in clinical diagnostics and molecular epidemiology. He is proficient in a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, real-time PCR, gene sequencing, and electrophoresis. His expertise also extends to microbial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biosafety procedures essential in infectious disease laboratories. Dr. Hu is well-versed in laboratory quality control systems, having implemented and supervised ISO-compliant workflows in clinical and CDC laboratories. His analytical skills include data interpretation in molecular epidemiological studies, as well as the use of bioinformatics tools for pathogen genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, Dr. Hu has experience in managing laboratory operations, training personnel, and conducting clinical validations of diagnostic assays. He has led or contributed to several research projects investigating the molecular characteristics of emerging pathogens, particularly in the context of hospital-acquired infections and public health emergencies. His integrated technical, managerial, and research capabilities make him a valuable asset in both academic and clinical laboratory environments, contributing to innovation in infectious disease control and laboratory diagnostics.

🏆Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors have not been listed in the original profile, Dr. Shoukui Hu’s career progression and leadership roles strongly reflect recognition of his expertise and contributions within the Chinese clinical and public health sectors. Achieving the position of Director of the Clinical Laboratory and Blood Transfusion Department at a major teaching hospital such as Peking University Shougang Hospital is a testament to his excellence and leadership. His selection for a competitive postdoctoral fellowship in molecular epidemiology at China CDC indicates strong endorsement by national-level scientific authorities. Moreover, his advancement to senior technologist and associate senior technologist roles across various institutions signifies sustained professional recognition. It is likely that Dr. Hu has received internal commendations for laboratory management, infectious disease response, and quality assurance contributions, though these are not documented here. His scientific credibility and technical expertise also position him as a key collaborator in research and diagnostic innovation. As his work continues to gain visibility in both academic and clinical contexts, further formal recognitions and awards may follow.

📈Author Metrics

As of the latest available data, Dr. Shoukui Hu has made significant scholarly contributions in the fields of pathogenic biology and molecular diagnostics. His author metrics are as follows:

  • Total Citations: 515

  • Citing Documents: 442

  • Total Publications: 35

  • h-index: 14

These metrics reflect Dr. Hu’s impact and influence in the scientific community, particularly in microbiology, molecular epidemiology, and clinical diagnostics. An h-index of 14 indicates that at least 14 of his publications have each received 14 or more citations, underscoring both the relevance and consistency of his research output. His work continues to be cited by a wide array of researchers and clinicians, demonstrating ongoing engagement with and recognition of his scholarly contributions.

📌Publications Top Notes

1. Isolation of Fluconazole-Resistant South Asian Clade Candida auris in Beijing, China

  • Journal: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

  • Year: April 2025

2. Influence of Helicobacter pylori on Composition and Function of Gastric Microbiota in Patients with Chronic Non-Atrophic Gastritis

  • Journal: Heliyon

  • Year: May 2024

3. The Role of Toll-Like Receptors in Immune Tolerance Induced by Helicobacter pylori Infection

  • Journal: Helicobacter

  • Year: August 2023

4. Comparative Analysis of the Gut Microbiota of Wild Adult Rats from Nine District Areas in Hainan, China

  • Journal: World Journal of Gastroenterology

  • Year: June 2023

5. Ultra-Efficient Multiple Cross Displacement Amplification–Lateral Flow Biosensor (MCDA–LFB) for Serogroup Identification of Prevalent Neisseria meningitidis

  • Journal: Analytical Biochemistry

  • Year: May 2022

🧾Conclusion

Dr. Shoukui Hu stands out as a dedicated leader and researcher in the fields of pathogenic biology and molecular diagnostics. His career spans prestigious institutions, from regional CDC laboratories to leading university-affiliated hospitals, reflecting a blend of public health service and clinical excellence. With a strong foundation in microbiology and molecular biology, he has made impactful contributions to infectious disease diagnosis and laboratory safety. Dr. Hu’s work enhances the reliability of diagnostic laboratories and advances scientific understanding of pathogen behavior and transmission. His leadership at Peking University Shougang Hospital has played a pivotal role in modernizing laboratory services and implementing high-quality blood transfusion practices. By merging his academic insights with practical experience, he continues to foster innovation in diagnostic science and contribute meaningfully to China’s public health infrastructure. Dr. Hu exemplifies the critical role of clinical laboratory professionals in shaping modern medicine, and his ongoing commitment to research, education, and clinical service marks him as a key contributor to the future of diagnostic healthcare and infectious disease control in China.

 

Bilgo Etienne | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bilgo Etienne | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Research Professor at Institute of Research in Health Sciences (IRSS), Burkina Faso.

Dr. Bilgo Etienne is an accomplished research scientist specializing in medical entomology, parasitology, and vector-borne diseases. He currently serves as an Associate Research Professor at the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS) under the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST) in Burkina Faso. He also leads the Microbiology and Parasitology Department at Sya Innovation Center and maintains affiliations with international institutions including the University of Glasgow (UK) and University of Maryland (USA). Dr. Bilgo has significantly contributed to the fight against malaria and dengue in sub-Saharan Africa through innovative vector control strategies and translational research. His leadership in multi-institutional collaborations and his mentorship of early-career researchers have strengthened research capacity in West Africa. Recognized both nationally and internationally, Dr. Bilgo has received multiple prestigious fellowships and awards. He has been instrumental in securing research grants from globally renowned organizations such as the Wellcome Trust, EDCTP, and the Islamic Development Bank. His work bridges academic excellence and real-world impact, targeting diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Dr. Bilgo remains committed to advancing public health through scientific innovation, training, and global partnerships.

📝Publication Profile

Orcid

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🎓Education

Dr. Bilgo Etienne holds a Ph.D. in Applied Biological Sciences (Medical Entomology), awarded in 2018 by the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo (formerly University of Ouagadougou), Burkina Faso, under joint supervision with IRSS–Centre Muraz and the University of Maryland, USA. His PhD was co-supervised by Professors Abdoulaye Diabaté, Antoine Sanon, and Raymond St. Leger. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s degree in Biology and Animal Ecology (Entomology) in 2012 and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology (Animal Biology and Physiology) in 2010, both from University Joseph Ki-Zerbo. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Bilgo was awarded competitive national scholarships from the Government of Burkina Faso to support his master’s thesis and doctoral research. His strong educational background has enabled him to develop deep expertise in entomology, ecology, and vector-pathogen interactions. The interdisciplinary and international nature of his academic training laid the foundation for a research career that is both scientifically rigorous and globally impactful. His postdoctoral training further expanded his scientific competencies and collaborative network across Africa, Europe, and the United States.

💼Professional Experience

Since 2025, Dr. Bilgo has served as a “Maître de Recherche” (Senior Research Professor) accredited by the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES). Prior to this, he was a “Chargé de Recherche” (Assistant Research Professor) at IRSS/CNRST from 2021 to 2024 and held the position of Attaché de Recherche (Senior Postdoctoral Fellow) between 2019 and 2021. His international postdoctoral fellowships include appointments at the University of Maryland’s St. Leger Lab (2018–2019), the Islamic Development Bank program at ACE/ITECH-MTV (2019–2020), and the EDCTP/MRC WANETAM Fellowship (2019–2020). Dr. Bilgo is currently Head of the Microbiology and Parasitology Department at the Sya Innovation Center and serves as an affiliate researcher at Centre Muraz and INSP. He also holds academic roles as an Affiliate Lecturer at the University Nazi Boni and a collaborative researcher at the University of Glasgow and University of Maryland. Over the years, he has supervised graduate and postdoctoral researchers and led several multicentric research projects. His career demonstrates a strong blend of research leadership, institutional development, and cross-border scientific collaboration.

🔬Research Interest

Dr. Bilgo Etienne’s primary research interests lie in medical entomology, parasitology, integrated vector management, and translational research for tropical disease control. His scientific focus is on mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, with an emphasis on biological control, pathogen-vector interactions, and the use of entomopathogenic fungi. He is deeply involved in designing and evaluating innovative vector control tools tailored for low-resource settings. His multidisciplinary work also intersects with microbiology, molecular parasitology, and public health, aiming to bridge lab discoveries with community-level disease prevention. Dr. Bilgo is committed to capacity building in Africa and has co-developed strategic partnerships with institutions in the UK, USA, and across West Africa. Through his involvement in projects like ANTIVeC and the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE), he contributes to research that is not only academically robust but also socially relevant. His interests further include mentoring early-career scientists, developing diagnostic platforms, and assessing the ecological safety of vector control technologies.

🧠Research Skills

Dr. Bilgo possesses a comprehensive skill set in field entomology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, vector-pathogen interaction studies, and biosafety-level research techniques. His core technical competencies include laboratory and field-based mosquito rearing, vector infection assays, microbiome analysis, and pathogen detection using PCR and immunological techniques. He is experienced in conducting randomized field trials, entomological surveillance, and integrated vector management experiments. His ability to lead large, multidisciplinary research teams across institutions highlights his project management and scientific leadership skills. Dr. Bilgo is also proficient in grant writing, research ethics, protocol development, and scientific communication. His exposure to international research environments in the US, UK, and Africa has equipped him with cross-cultural collaboration and mentoring abilities. Moreover, his involvement in high-impact publications and award-winning research demonstrates his capability to produce rigorous and innovative scientific outputs. As a trainer and mentor, he continues to impart these skills to a new generation of African scientists, advancing research excellence across the continent.

🏆Awards and Honors

Dr. Bilgo Etienne has earned multiple national and international recognitions for his scientific contributions. He is a recipient of the 2022–2027 ARISE Fellowship, supported by the European Union and African Academy of Sciences, for groundbreaking work on malaria and dengue control. In 2020, he received the Burkina Faso Ministry of Higher Education’s Prix d’Excellence de la Recherche Scientifique, recognizing him as the best researcher under age 40. He co-received the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize in 2020 for a top-ranked publication in Science. Other prestigious fellowships include the Wellcome Trust International Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019–2023), Islamic Development Bank Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019–2020), and the NIH-funded postdoc at the University of Maryland. He was selected as a Rising Star by Grand Challenges Africa and one of the top 10 Young Investigators by ASTMH. Additional accolades include the Brian Sharp Award in 2018, the GRC Carl Storm Fellowship, and early-career travel grants to international conferences. These honors not only recognize his research impact but also his role as a scientific leader and mentor in Africa and beyond.

📈Author Metrics

As of the latest available data, Dr. Bilgo Etienne has demonstrated a growing scholarly impact in the field of medical entomology and infectious disease research. His citation metrics are as follows:

  • Total Citations: 560

  • h-index: 11

  • i10-index: 11

These metrics reflect Dr. Bilgo’s consistent contributions to high-impact scientific research, particularly in vector-borne disease control and microbiology. His work has garnered international recognition, with publications cited across multidisciplinary studies focusing on malaria, dengue, vector control technologies, and translational entomological research. The h-index and i10-index further indicate his productivity and the relevance of his research output within the scientific community.

📌Publications Top Notes

1. Transgenic Metarhizium rapidly kills mosquitoes in a malaria-endemic region of Burkina Faso

Authors: B. Lovett, E. Bilgo, S.A. Millogo, A.K. Ouattarra, I. Saré, E.J. Gnambani, et al.
Year: 2019
Citations: 125

2. Targeting male mosquito swarms to control malaria vector density

Authors: S.P. Sawadogo, A. Niang, E. Bilgo, A. Millogo, H. Maïga, R.K. Dabiré, F. Tripet, et al.
Year: 2017
Citations: 74

3. Native entomopathogenic Metarhizium spp. from Burkina Faso and their virulence against the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii and non-target insects

Authors: E. Bilgo, B. Lovett, R.J. St. Leger, A. Sanon, R.K. Dabiré, A. Diabaté
Year: 2018
Citations: 62

4. Improved efficacy of an arthropod toxin expressing fungus against insecticide-resistant malaria-vector mosquitoes

Authors: E. Bilgo, B. Lovett, W. Fang, N. Bende, G.F. King, A. Diabaté, R.J. St. Leger
Year: 2017
Citations: 51

5. A review of progress toward field application of transgenic mosquitocidal entomopathogenic fungi

Authors: B. Lovett, E. Bilgo, A. Diabaté, R. St. Leger
Year: 2019
Citations: 41

6. Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 symbiont suppresses malaria transmission by anopheline mosquitoes

Authors: W. Huang, J. Rodrigues, E. Bilgo, J.R. Tormo, J.D. Challenger, et al.
Year: 2023
Citations: 34

7. Transgenic Metarhizium pingshaense synergistically ameliorates pyrethroid-resistance in wild-caught, malaria-vector mosquitoes

Authors: E. Bilgo, B. Lovett, K. Bayili, A.S. Millogo, I. Saré, R.K. Dabiré, A. Sanon, et al.
Year: 2018
Citations: 29

8. Environmentally friendly tool to control mosquito populations without risk of insecticide resistance: the Lehmann’s funnel entry trap

Authors: A. Diabaté, E. Bilgo, R.K. Dabiré, F. Tripet
Year: 2013
Citations: 29

9. Field assessment of potential sugar feeding stations for disseminating bacteria in a paratransgenic approach to control malaria

Authors: E. Bilgo, A. Vantaux, A. Sanon, S. Ilboudo, R.K. Dabiré, M. Jacobs-Lorena, et al.
Year: 2018
Citations: 22

10. Infection of highly insecticide-resistant malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii with entomopathogenic bacteria Chromobacterium violaceum reduces its survival, blood feeding, and reproduction

Authors: E.J. Gnambani, E. Bilgo, A. Sanou, R.K. Dabiré, A. Diabaté
Year: 2020
Citations: 21

🧾Conclusion

Dr. Bilgo Etienne exemplifies the new generation of African scientists driving innovation in global health. His academic journey, rooted in Burkina Faso and expanded through international collaborations, reflects a strong commitment to research excellence, capacity building, and societal impact. With a specialization in medical entomology and vector control, he tackles pressing public health challenges such as malaria and dengue using integrative, science-based solutions. His professional path from postdoctoral fellow to research professor and department head—demonstrates a trajectory of continuous growth and leadership. Dr. Bilgo’s ability to secure competitive fellowships and prestigious awards underscores his scientific credibility and global relevance. Moreover, his mentorship of young researchers and affiliation with top-tier institutions enhance his contributions to scientific advancement in Africa. His work is not only academically influential but also deeply aligned with public health priorities in endemic regions. As he continues to lead multidisciplinary research and training initiatives, Dr. Bilgo stands out as a catalyst for transformative health research and innovation on the African continent.