Dr. Ricardo Bassini-Silva | Acarology| Best Researcher Award
Researcher | Butantan Institute | Brazil
Dr. Ricardo Bassini Silva is an accomplished scientist specializing in Taxonomy, Parasitology, and Epidemiology, with a focus on ectoparasites of medical and veterinary significance. His research, primarily in Acarology, has led to significant contributions in understanding the diversity and impact of mites, especially those that parasitize both vertebrates and invertebrates. With an academic career spanning over a decade, Dr. Bassini-Silva has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also mentored future generations of researchers. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at UNESP/Jaboticabal, where he investigates the taxonomy and microbiome of mites that parasitize bats in Brazil.
Profile
Education
Dr. Bassini Silva holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Universidade São Judas Tadeu (2014), followed by a M.S. and Ph.D. in Science from the University of São Paulo (2017, 2021), where he focused on chigger mites and their role in disease transmission. His postdoctoral research is funded by FAPESP at UNESP, Jaboticabal, where he is studying the presence of pathogens and commensal microbial communities in bat-parasitizing mites. His specialization in acarology was enhanced by summer programs at Ohio State University in 2017 and 2018, further enriching his expertise in medical and veterinary acarology.
Experience
Dr. Bassini-Silva’s professional experience spans several prestigious institutions, including his current postdoctoral fellowship at UNESP/Jaboticabal. Previously, he has taught courses at the Butantan Institute since 2019, including a course on mites’ role in allergies, and has coordinated the discipline “Acarofauna of Veterinary Importance” at UNESP. He has supervised multiple undergraduate research projects, furthering his commitment to education and scientific outreach. His career has also seen extensive fieldwork across Brazil, studying mites and their potential as vectors of disease.
Research Interests
Dr. Bassini-Silva’s research interests are centered around the taxonomy, ecology, and epidemiology of ectoparasites, particularly mites, with a focus on those of medical and veterinary importance. His work in Acarology has explored the interactions between mites and their hosts, the pathogens they carry, and their potential as vectors for zoonotic diseases. His ongoing research aims to deepen the understanding of the microbiomes associated with mites, specifically those parasitizing bats, and their role in disease transmission in Brazil.
Awards
Throughout his career, Dr. Bassini-Silva has received numerous accolades for his scientific contributions. Among his most significant recognitions is the FAPESP-funded postdoctoral fellowship for his work on the taxonomy and microbiome of bat-parasitizing mites. Additionally, his research contributions have earned him recognition from various scientific communities in Brazil and abroad, particularly for his studies on the vector role of chigger mites and other parasitic mites.
Publications
Dr. Bassini-Silva’s scientific output is extensive, with over 80 peer-reviewed articles and 30 book chapters. His notable publications include works on the taxonomy and morphology of mites, their ecological roles, and their implications in disease transmission. Some of his key papers include:
- Jacinavicius, F. C., Bassini-Silva, R., et al. (2015). Systematic and Applied Acarology.
- Bassini-Silva, R., Jacinavicius, F. C., et al. (2017). Journal of Medical Entomology.
- Bassini-Silva, R., Jacinavicius, F. C., et al. (2018). Acarologia.
- Bassini-Silva, R., Jacinavicius, F. C., et al. (2019). Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinaria.
- Bassini-Silva, R., Jacinavicius, F. C., et al. (2020). International Journal of Acarology.
His work has been cited widely, with many articles referenced in subsequent research on acarology, parasitology, and epidemiology.
Conclusion
Dr. Ricardo Bassini Silva’s career is a testament to his commitment to advancing acarological research and education. Through his detailed studies on mites and their role in human and animal health, he has not only contributed to scientific understanding but also mentored the next generation of acarologists. His research continues to shed light on the complex interactions between mites, their hosts, and the pathogens they carry, and his ongoing work promises to make a significant impact in the field of parasitology and epidemiology.