Luana Fioriti | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luana Fioriti | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Laboratory Director at Istiuto di Riceerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri | Italy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luana Fioriti is a distinguished neuroscientist recognized for her groundbreaking research on prion-like proteins, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative disorders. She has served in leading roles at Columbia University and the “Mario Negri” Institute in Milan, where she heads her laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience. With extensive expertise in protein aggregation, memory mechanisms, and disease-related pathways, Dr. Fioriti has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge in molecular neuroscience. Her pioneering work has been published in leading scientific journals and supported by prestigious awards and fellowships. She continues to drive innovation in translational neurobiology research.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luana Fioriti earned her PhD in Neuroscience at the Mario Negri Institute and Open University, Italy, where she investigated abnormal forms of prion proteins in inherited prion diseases. She completed a Master’s in Biotechnological Applications at the University of Milan with summa cum laude honors, and a degree in Biological Sciences, majoring in Molecular Biology, also with summa cum laude, from the same university. Early in her career, she trained at the Mario Negri Institute’s Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, under Dr. Gianluigi Forloni, where she developed her expertise in prion biology, neurotoxicity, and mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.

Experience 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luana Fioriti has held prominent academic and research positions in both Italy and the United States. She currently serves as Head of Laboratory at the Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute, Milan, and Adjunct Associate Research Scientist at Columbia University. She has conducted extensive work in the laboratories of Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel and Dr. Ottavio Arancio at Columbia. Previously, she was an Associate Research Scientist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Her career reflects a consistent focus on molecular neuroscience, protein biology, and translational approaches to neurodegenerative disorders, combining leadership, mentorship, and cross-institutional scientific collaboration.

Awards and Honors 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luana Fioriti has been recognized with numerous fellowships and awards for her contributions to neuroscience. Early in her career, she received fellowships from the University of Milan, the Italian Institute for University Study, and the Mario Negri Institute. She was awarded a scholarship to present at the World Alzheimer Congress and fellowships from Fondazione Monzino and the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies at Columbia University. She earned the Columbia Mentorship Award, the Telethon Career Development Award, and the AIMS Award for identifying SARS-CoV-2 protein inhibitors. These honors highlight her outstanding research leadership and impact in neurobiology.

Research Focus 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luana Fioriti research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and memory persistence, with a particular emphasis on prion-like proteins, SUMOylation, ubiquitination, and tau pathology. Her work explores how protein aggregation and regulation influence synaptic plasticity and memory storage, contributing to both normal physiology and disease pathology. She has advanced understanding of prion biology, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. Through translational neuroscience, she investigates SUMO mimetics and small molecules as therapeutic candidates for dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Her research integrates cell models, animal systems, and cutting-edge molecular approaches to identify potential drug targets.

Publication Top Notes

Coiled-Coil Structures Mediate the Intercellular Propagation of Huntingtin

SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Induces Tau Pathological Changes That Can Be Counteracted by SUMO2

Structure of a reversible amyloid fibril formed by the CPEB3 prion-like domain reveals a core sequence involved in translational regulation

A Combined Cell-Worm Approach to Search for Compounds Counteracting the Toxicity of Tau Oligomers In Vivo

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Nervous System

Ubiquitination and SUMOylation of amyloid and amyloid-like proteins in health and disease

Neuronal Localization of SENP Proteins with Super Resolution Microscopy

CPEB3 inhibits translation of mRNA targets by localizing them to P bodies

Roles for small noncoding RNAs in silencing of retrotransposons in the mammalian brain

SUMOylation Is an Inhibitory Constraint that Regulates the Prion-like Aggregation and Activity of CPEB3

The Persistence of Hippocampal-Based Memory Requires Protein Synthesis Mediated by the Prion-like Protein CPEB3

Conclusion

Based on her extensive and innovative contributions in neuroscience, neurodegenerative disorders, and translational molecular biology, Dr. Luana Fioriti is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to integrate fundamental discoveries with therapeutic implications, coupled with her international recognition, patents, and leadership in cutting-edge research, make her highly deserving of this honor. With continued expansion of her global visibility and interdisciplinary collaborations, she is poised to make even greater contributions to the scientific community and global health.

Efthalia Moustakli | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Efthalia Moustakli | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Efthalia Moustakli at University of Ioannina, School of Health Sciences, Greece.

Dr. Efthalia Moustakli, a PhD-trained biologist, excels in medical genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Currently a postdoctoral researcher and adjunct professor, she integrates clinical, wet-lab, and computational techniques to drive real-world healthcare innovation. With extensive experience in translational science and academic mentorship, she bridges the gap between research and clinical application. Her dedication to advancing reproductive medicine and aging research is reflected in 30+ high-impact publications. Recognized for academic excellence and research leadership, she exemplifies commitment to impactful science and interdisciplinary collaboration across education, technology, and medicine.

Publication Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Efthalia Moustakli earned her PhD in Medical Genetics from the University of Ioannina, Greece, with her dissertation graded “Excellent” and focused on telomere and mitochondrial recombination in spermatozoa. She previously completed an Integrated Master’s in Biological Applications and Technology, also from the University of Ioannina, where her thesis on genetic abnormalities. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in genetics, genomics, and reproductive biology, complemented by international training in Germany, showcasing her commitment to advancing precision and reproductive medicine through rigorous scientific research and interdisciplinary learning.

Experience

Dr. Efthalia Moustakli is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, focusing on molecular aging and bioinformatics. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Nursing Department. Previously, she worked as a Junior Embryologist at Genesis Athens, a Molecular Biologist on the EU-funded PathAge project, and as a trainee in Germany at Universitätsklinikum Jena. Her experience spans clinical research, wet-lab diagnostics, data analysis, and teaching, highlighting her ability to navigate both academia and real-world clinical settings with excellence and innovation.

Awards 

Dr. Efthalia Moustakli has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to reproductive science and molecular biology, earning top academic grades in both her PhD and Integrated Master’s programs. Her work on oxidative stress, microRNAs, and genetic diagnostics has gained international attention through 30+ peer-reviewed publications. She has actively contributed to EU-funded research projects and presented findings at major conferences. Her unique blend of clinical embryology, teaching, and algorithm development distinguishes her as a well-rounded scientist. A strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, she exemplifies academic rigor, innovation, and interdisciplinary impact.

Research Focus 

Dr. Efthalia Moustakli specializes in reproductive health, infertility, oxidative stress, NGS data meta-analysis, and clinical genetics. Her postdoctoral work delves into the molecular mechanisms of aging, particularly in relation to telomeres and mitochondrial function. Through projects like PathAge, she integrates computational approaches with clinical data to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic insights. Her research interests span microbiome impacts, ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), and biomarkers for reproductive outcomes, aiming to translate molecular findings into practical healthcare improvements. She combines bioinformatics, wet-lab, and clinical insight to support advances in personalized and preventative medicine.

Publication Top Notes