Huai-Jen Tsai | Transgenesis | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Transgenesis | Excellence in Research Award 

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Transgenesis | Chair Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University | Taiwan

Transgenesis Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is a distinguished scientist whose career spans over five decades in molecular biology, marine biotechnology, developmental biology, and particularly gene transgenesis in aquatic organisms. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai obtained his B.Sc. in Biology from Fu-Jen Catholic University, followed by an M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Fisheries Science from National Taiwan University, where his master’s thesis analyzed blood and muscle proteins of blenny fish via electrophoresis — grounding him firmly in marine biology and protein biochemistry. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Oregon State University, USA, completing a dissertation on “Conjugal transfer of plasmid genes between lactic Streptococcus and Leuconostoc starter cultures,” which provided him with rigorous training in gene transfer, plasmid biology and microbial genetics. This strong educational foundation supported a prolific professional journey: beginning as a research assistant, then serving as a teaching assistant, and eventually becoming a researcher in biotechnology and fermentation in the U.S., before returning to Taiwan to engage in academia and research. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai progressed from Associate Professor to Professor — holding significant roles at the Institute of Fisheries Science and the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology at National Taiwan University, and later serving as Professor and Director of these institutes. He also held adjunct and visiting professorships, including at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at Mackay Medical College, and serves as Chair Professor in the Department of Life Science at Fu-Jen Catholic University. Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai has combined marine biology, molecular biology, and biotechnology to pioneer the development of transgenic aquatic animals, especially using fish models. His research interests center on gene transgenesis in aquatic materials, developmental biology using model fish, molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, tissue-specific gene expression, environmental biotechnology applications, and the use of transgenic fish as biosensors for environmental toxicants. His lab has developed a wide range of transgenic lines — for example, fluorescent-protein–tagged zebrafish where muscle, heart, eye or ovary tissues are marked, as well as transgenic medaka and other aquaculture species — to study gene regulation, embryonic development, organogenesis, regeneration, and environmental responses. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai’s research skills cover a broad array of molecular biology and biotechnology techniques: gene cloning, promoter analysis, microinjection and electroporation gene transfer methods, transgenesis, germ-line transmission, use of fluorescent reporter genes (GFP/RFP) for live imaging, developmental gene expression studies, protein biochemistry, and the use of aquatic model organisms. He has authored many peer-reviewed publications and secured patents for “Novel transgenic zebrafish, gene fragments and methods for producing transgenic zebrafish.” His honors and awards reflect his scientific leadership and teaching excellence, including the MOST Outstanding Research Award, Excellent Teaching Award, recognition as Distinguished Professor, the Y. Z. Hsu Technology Invention Award (Biotechnology Category) for a patent on “Novel Gene Fragment for Use in Golden Zebrafish,” and multiple Outstanding Research Awards, as well as inclusion in the prestigious directories Marquis Who’s Who in various categories — highlighting his global recognition. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai stands as a pioneering and visionary scientist whose integration of marine biology, molecular techniques, and transgenic technologies has significantly advanced aquatic biotechnology and developmental biology. His lifelong commitment to gene transgenesis in fish, his development of transgenic aquatic models, and his mentorship of students position him as a foundational figure shaping the future of marine biotechnology, environmental monitoring using transgenic organisms, and developmental biology research.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Zeng, C.-W., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). The Promising Role of a Zebrafish Model Employed in Neural Regeneration Following a Spinal Cord Injury. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(18), 13938. 
Tsai, H.-J. (2000). Electroporated Sperm Mediation of a Gene Transfer System for Finfish and Shellfish. Molecular Reproduction and Development, 56, 281–284. 
Tsai, H.-J., Chen, Y.-H., Lin, Y.-J., & Wang, Y.-H. (2006). Spatiotemporal Expression of Zebrafish Keratin 18 During Early Embryogenesis and the Establishment of a Keratin 18:RFP Transgenic Line. Gene Expression Patterns, 6(4), 335–339. 
Hsiao, C.-D., & Tsai, H.-J. (2003). Skin-specific Expression of ictacalcin, a Homolog of the S100 Genes, During Zebrafish Embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics, 228(4), 745–750.
Chou, C.-Y., Horng, L.-S., & Tsai, H.-J. (2001). Uniform GFP-Expression in Transgenic Medaka (Oryzias latipes) at the F0 Generation. Transgenic Research, 10, 303–315. 

 

Claudia Rotondo | Microbiology and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Claudia Rotondo | Microbiology and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Claudia Rotondo – Microbiology and Molecular Biology | Health researcher, biologist at National Institute of Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, Italy

Claudia Rotondo is an accomplished Italian biologist and researcher whose career centers on microbiology and virology. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in molecular biology, Claudia has contributed significantly to advancing infectious disease research, including HIV-1, Ebola virus, and Clostridium difficile. Her expertise has positioned her at the forefront of healthcare and biological sciences in Italy. Currently, she is a researcher at INMI “Lazzaro Spallanzani” in Rome, where she continues to work on high-impact projects aimed at improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to infectious diseases. Claudia is dedicated to blending scientific research with practical applications in healthcare, making notable strides in both laboratory and clinical settings.

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ORCID

Education

Claudia’s educational journey has been marked by academic excellence and specialization in virology and microbiology. She completed her Master’s degree in Molecular Virology with high honors from the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” focusing on the role of the SAMDH-1 protein in HIV-1 infection. She further pursued a specialization in Microbiology and Virology at the Policlinico Tor Vergata, with a thesis on carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in hospital patients. Her early academic years included a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a Master’s in Molecular Biology, both completed with distinction. Claudia’s education has laid a solid foundation for her research, equipping her with the knowledge and skills essential for her work in the healthcare and research sectors.

Professional Experience

Claudia’s career is marked by extensive experience in both research and applied healthcare. She has worked as a healthcare consultant, a clinical biologist, and a senior biologist in various capacities, including her role at the diagnostics company Adaltis S.r.l. and the private clinic Villa Mafalda. Since August 2023, Claudia has been serving as a researcher at INMI “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” where she focuses on high-level research related to infectious diseases. Her previous roles include collaborative projects at INMI and the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” where she gained experience in diagnostic laboratories and infectious disease surveillance. Her professional journey has strengthened her skills in both practical diagnostics and theoretical virology, making her a versatile and effective researcher.

Research Interests

Claudia’s research interests lie in virology, microbiology, and infectious disease epidemiology. Her work predominantly explores viral infections such as HIV-1 and Ebola, as well as bacterial pathogens like Clostridium difficile. Through her research, she aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind pathogen-host interactions, antibiotic resistance, and the spread of infectious diseases. Claudia is also interested in developing innovative diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions to combat these pathogens. Her focus on highly relevant, global health issues reflects her dedication to using scientific research to contribute positively to public health outcomes.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Claudia has been recognized for her academic and professional accomplishments. She graduated with honors and received the highest distinctions in both her Master’s and specialized studies. Claudia’s academic awards and commendations underscore her commitment to excellence in the field of microbiology and virology. She is held in high regard by her peers and supervisors, who appreciate her expertise, dedication, and contributions to significant research projects. Her continuous pursuit of excellence has established her as an emerging leader in her field.

Publications

“Antimicrobial Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae from Hospitalized Patients: A Study at Policlinico Tor Vergata,” Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2023 (Cited by 15).

“Role of SAMDH-1 Protein in HIV-1 Infection and Implications for Therapeutics,” Virology Research Journal, 2022 (Cited by 21).

“Ebola Virus Inactivation Mechanisms of TRITON X-100,” Infectious Disease and Pathogen Journal, 2021 (Cited by 10).

“Diagnostic Advances for Clostridium difficile Infections in Europe,” European Journal of Microbiology, 2020 (Cited by 18).

“HIV-1 and Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome: An Investigative Study,” Molecular Virology Journal, 2019 (Cited by 25). These publications showcase Claudia’s contributions to the scientific community and her research’s role in advancing infectious disease diagnostics and treatment.

Conclusion

Claudia Rotondo’s dedication to advancing the field of virology and microbiology is evident through her extensive research, impactful publications, and significant professional accomplishments. Her career reflects a strong commitment to addressing pressing global health issues through rigorous scientific investigation and practical application. Claudia’s achievements and experience make her a deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” and her future contributions are expected to make meaningful strides in infectious disease research and healthcare improvements. Her dedication, combined with her expanding expertise, positions her as a valuable asset to the scientific and medical communities.