Plenary Speakers
Dr. José M Pérez de la Lastra
Scientist at Spanish Research CouncilSpain
Dr. José M Pérez de la Lastra
Scientist at Spanish Research CouncilSpainBiography
Jos M. P rez de la Lastra holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM). He earned his Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of C rdoba (UCO) in Spain and completed his postdoctoral research in Dr. B.P. Morgan s group at the University of Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff, UK. In 2001, he joined the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Dr. P rez de la Lastra currently leads the Biotechnology of Macromolecules group at the Institute of Natural Productos and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC). His research focuses on the biotechnological applications of natural immune defense strategies, including antimicrobial peptides and antibodies. Throughout his career, he has authored over 120 research articles and contributed to several book chapters, significantly advancing the field of immunology and biotechnology.
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Dr. Chil-Yong Kang
University of WesternCanada
Dr. Chil-Yong Kang
University of WesternCanadaBiography
Chil-Yong (Yong) Kang, PhD, DSc, FRSC, is a molecular virologist and Professor of Virology in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. He conducted his post-graduate study at McMaster University in Canada where he received his Ph.D. in virology in 1971 under the supervision of Professor Ludvik Prevec. He took his three-year postdoctoral training under Professor Howard Temin (1975 Nobel Laureate) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1971-1974). He received his Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees from McMaster University and from Carleton University. He served as a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas (1974-1982), Professor and Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine (1982-1992), and as Dean of Science at the University of Western Ontario (1992-1999). Dr. Kang s research in molecular virology includes the development of viral-specific antiviral therapeutic agents and efficacious vaccines against various human viral diseases including hepatitis C, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, MERS, Zika virus microcephaly, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Kang has already developed a second-generation vaccine against the hepatitis B virus and an experimental vaccine against HIV-1 by using state-of-the-art genetic engineering and biotechnology. His SAV001 HIV vaccine based on genetically modified killed whole-HIV-1 has completed Phase I human clinical trial successfully and is currently being prepared for Phase II trial. Dr. Kang has also created a replication-competent recombinant vesicular stomatitis viral vectors as a vaccine platform to develop a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Dr. Kang has published 148 peer reviewed scientific papers and 162 conference proceedings and abstracts in fields of virology, medicine, immunology, and molecular biology. He holds fifteen international biotechnology patents which cover over 70 countries. Dr. Kang has received numerous awards and prizes such as the Korean-Canadian Heritage Award (1989), Award of Excellence of the University of Ottawa (1991), lchun Gold Medal (1998), the Ho-Am Prize in Medicine (1999), Order of Innovation in Science and Technology (Hyeoksin Medal) from Government of Republic of Korea (2002), the McMaster University Distinguished Alumni Award for 2007, Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary International (2008), the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Western Ontario (2009), Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal of the Governor General of Canada (2012), Scientist of the Year Award of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology (2014), and Vanguard Award from Techalliance (2019). Dr. Kang is an elected Life-time Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Academy of Science (since 1993) and an elected Life-time Member of Korean Academy of Science and Technology (since 1997). He continues to serve as a grant selection committee member for various federal granting agencies in Canada and the USA and is a member of the Board of Directors of numerous research institutions and foundations. Dr. Kang has served as a member of the Science Technology Innovation Council (STIC) of Canada for three years. Dr. Kang serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Virology, Journal of Infectious Diseases, Virus Research, Virology, Journal of General Virology, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
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Dr. Kadhim Alabady
Dubai Health AuthorityUAE
Dr. Kadhim Alabady
Dubai Health AuthorityUAEBiography
Kadhim Alabady is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He has completed his Doctorate degree in Public Health and Epidemiology,
Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology (MSc), Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), all from The Netherlands universities with broad experience driving
research and development (R&D) strategies and operations. He has been registered as an Epidemiologist Grade A with The Netherlands Epidemiological Society.
He has numerous publications in the UK in mental illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, autism, COPD, population health, road casualties
and others.
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Dr. Dr. elena Tolstov
Israeli National Rehabilitation Geriatric CenterIsrael
Dr. Dr. elena Tolstov
Israeli National Rehabilitation Geriatric CenterIsraelBiography
MD, PhD was born in Russia, and worked in Russia, Israel, Canada and USA. I'm nationally and internationally recognized expert in Integrative Pain Management, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Chemical Dependency. I accomplished multiple visiting professorships around the Globe, working with International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, World Health Organization, United Nations promoting innovative methods of treatment.
I combine my clinical practice with academic activities, and had been principal investigator in multiple clinical trials. I conducted research focused on multidisciplinary team assessment of disability, international/vocational rehabilitation, pain management and the physiology of the back and neck muscles. I established collaboration with Karolinska Research Institute, Prof. Jan Sundquist, Professor and Chair, Center for Family and Community Medicine. Mutual research project “Self-reported Study of Mental health and Disability Issues in Fundamental Christians from former Soviet Union” was supported by the International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ISPMR).
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Invited Speakers
Dr. Teja Vasireddy
School of Tropical Medicine(STM),Kolkata
India
Dr. Teja Vasireddy
School of Tropical Medicine(STM),KolkataIndia
Biography
Dr. Teja Vasireddy is a physician specializing in Infectious Diseases, currently completing DM training at the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata. She holds an MD in General Medicine from NRI Medical College, Guntur, and an MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Vasireddy has managed complex infections including HIV, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, fungal infections, and transplant-related infections. She has actively contributed to antimicrobial stewardship programs, outbreak investigations, and infection control initiatives. A member of leading international societies such as IDSA, ESCMID, ISHAM, and CIDS India, she has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and presented at global conferences including ESCMID, ID Week, and World One Health Congress.
Speech Title
The deadly rise of Non Tuberculous Mycobacteria - Drug resistance in NTM
Dr. Margy Alejandra Esparza Mora
Charite University of Medicine
Berlin, Germany
Dr. Margy Alejandra Esparza Mora
Charite University of MedicineBerlin, Germany
Biography
Dr. Margy Alejandra Esparza Mora is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Biochemistry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. She specializes in host–pathogen interactions, fungal infectious diseases, and clinical microbiology. Her research focuses on the interactions between fungal pathogen Candida albicans and the invertebrate host Galleria mellonella under antifungal drug exposure. Dr. Esparza has published eight peer-reviewed articles and contributed to several notable projects, including her recent work on how non-antifungal medications influence drug tolerance and resistance in C. albicans. Her current research explores the host immune response during fungal infection and evaluates antagonistic drug interactions, with the goal of improving antifungal treatment strategies.
Speech Title
Host-pathogen interactions: Galleria mellonella-Candida albicans infection model to study the immune response and drug interactions
Romeo Tsayem Fouemene
university of yaounde i
cameroon
Romeo Tsayem Fouemene
university of yaounde icameroon
Biography
I am a medical biologist and a young researcher about to complete a PhD thesis in Biochemistry-Microbiology. A few decades ago, I studied Biochemistry at university and obtained a master's degree. During my studies, I acquired a grounding in the pharmacology of medicinal plants. I then obtained a degree in medical biology. After five years working in the field of medical biology, I became interested in the problem of antimicrobial resistance, which motivated me to pursue my studies at doctoral level. My thesis topic focuses on the characterisation of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. The results of this work were presented at an international conference (ESCMID GLOBAL 2025) and are awaiting publication in a scientific journal. I am interested in bacterial genomics as a powerful tool for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in my country and in Africa in general, where there is still little data available. For the rest of my research career, I intend to deepen my knowledge in the field of genomics and bioinformatics; combined with my limited experience in pharmacology, I will be able to make a significant contribution to the fight against antimicrobial resistance in Africa and in my country.
Speech Title
First Identification of blaNDM-1 in High-Risk Klebsiella pneumonia ST147 in Cameroon: A Genomic Insight
Dr. Mahboubeh Hadipour
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Iran
Dr. Mahboubeh Hadipour
Isfahan University of Medical SciencesIran
Biography
I am Dr. Mahboubeh Hadipour, currently serving as the Head of Malaria Laboratories at the Vice Chancellor’s Office for Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, where I oversee provincial-level laboratory operations. In parallel, I work as a researcher in the Department of Parasitology and Mycology at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. My research primarily focuses on circulating antigens and antibodies, as well as the molecular diagnosis of parasitic diseases, with a particular emphasis on the detection of cell-free DNA for early and non-invasive diagnosis. I have authored and presented multiple studies in this field, including “Sensitive detection of specific cell-free DNA in serum samples from sheep with cystic echinococcosis” published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2023, IF: 3.9, Q1 Journal), and “Diagnosis of echinococcosis by detecting circulating cell-free DNA and miRNA” published in Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics (2023, IF: 5.1, Q1 Journal). I have also been honored with several awards, including the Best Paper Award at ICOPA 2018 (South Korea) and Best Paper at the 5th International & 12th National Congress of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of Iran (2024).
Speech Title
Molecular Detection of Cell-Free DNA for the Diagnosis of Human Echinococcosis: Advances and Applications.
Dr. Sowmya P R
Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)
India
Dr. Sowmya P R
Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS)India
Biography
Dr. Sowmya P. R. is currently serving as Senior Scientific Research Officer at the Central Research Laboratory (CRL), Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru. She has over 20 years of extensive research experience spanning infectious diseases, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, cancer biology, and public health outreach.
Dr. Sowmya obtained her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, where her research focused on carotenoids and their role in cell cycle regulation and cancer cell proliferation. She subsequently pursued postdoctoral training at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, working on the development of broadly protective influenza vaccines. Her professional career includes senior scientific positions at Strand Life Sciences, where she specialized in NGS-based clinical assays, and CRL-KIMS, where she has contributed to national projects on antimicrobial resistance and pneumococcal vaccine immunogenicity.
In addition to her scientific research, Dr. Sowmya has been actively engaged in public health initiatives, leading cervical cancer awareness programs and organizing high-level round table discussions on HPV vaccination and cancer prevention. She has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to international conferences, and co-authored several book chapters. Her work has been recognized with fellowships and awards, including the Women Scientist Award from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India and FEBS Bursary Award. Her research interests lie in infectious disease genomics, antimicrobial resistance, cancer biology, and translational diagnostics for public health.
Speech Title
Genomic Diversity of Typhoidal and Non-Typhoidal Salmonella enterica Serovars Causing Bacteremia in India
Mireia Iglesias Algilaga
Clinical Analysis Laboratory
Spain
Mireia Iglesias Algilaga
Clinical Analysis LaboratorySpain
Biography
Mireia Iglesias Algilaga earned her Biotechnology degree from the University of Girona and pursued advanced training with a Master’s in Clinical Microbiology at the European Institute of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, as well as a Specialization Diploma in New Technologies Applied to Clinical Microbiology from the University of Seville and SEIMC. She has over eight years of professional experience in a clinical analysis laboratory, with the last four years dedicated to Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Biology. Her expertise lies in diagnostic methodologies, molecular techniques, and the application of innovative tools in clinical microbiology. Deeply passionate about microbiology, particularly its molecular aspects, she continues to expand her knowledge and contribute to advancements in the field through both practice and research.
Speech Title
Epidemiological Insights into Gastrointestinal Infections: The Role of Molecular Diagnostics
Dr. Leonel Gonzalez
Social Security Hospital in Quetzaltenango
Guatemala
Dr. Leonel Gonzalez
Social Security Hospital in QuetzaltenangoGuatemala
Biography
Dr. Leonel González serves as the Head of the Infectious Disease Unit at the Social Security Hospital in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. He also acts as the Institutional Coordinator of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Diagnostic Stewardship and leads several key initiatives within the hospital, including the Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Clinic and the HIV and Chronic Infections Clinic.
He is an active member of the Guatemalan Association of Internal Medicine and the Guatemalan Association of Infectious Diseases, contributing to advancing best practices and knowledge in the field.
Speech Title
Histoplasmosis In Guatemala, Mortality And Haematological Phenomena
Ms. Mariia Panasiuk
ICAP at Columbia University
Ukraine
Ms. Mariia Panasiuk
ICAP at Columbia UniversityUkraine
Biography
Mariia Panasiuk, born on September 2, 1987, is an accomplished infectious disease physician from Ukraine. She earned her higher education diploma in General Medicine and specialized in Medical Care and Prevention from O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University in 2011, subsequently completing her internship in Infectious Diseases at Odessa National I.I. Mechnikov University.
Her early career included serving as an infectious disease physician at the Central District Hospital in Domanivka, Mykolaiv region. Demonstrating her commitment to national service, she was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 18 months in 2015, undergoing training at the 8th Medical Retraining Course at the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy. Following her military service, she worked at the Khmelnytsky City Infectious Diseases Hospital from 2016 to 2018.
From 2020 to 2024, Mariia was a key figure at the State Institution “Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine,” serving as an infectious disease physician within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Department. During this period, she was a resident of both the 3rd cohort of Ukraine's Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) and the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A significant achievement was her involvement in organizing epidemiological surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) among wounded individuals in 2023.
Since 2023, she has been dedicated to the International technical assistance project “Enhancing global health security: strengthening public health surveillance systems and preparedness globally.” Currently, Mariia holds the position of Clinical Specialist at ICAP at Columbia University, Ukrainian office, continuing her vital work in public health.
Her extensive experience includes participation in organizing and conducting several impactful research projects, such as characterizing SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among healthcare workers, conducting a pilot survey on healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in Ukraine, and evaluating hand hygiene effectiveness among healthcare professionals.
Speech Title
The Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance Among the Wounded in Ukraine
Asst. Prof. Bouhalloufa Fatima Halima
Mostaganem University Hospital Centre
Algeria
Asst. Prof. Bouhalloufa Fatima Halima
Mostaganem University Hospital CentreAlgeria
Biography
Bouhalloufa Fatima Halima is an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Mostaganem University Hospital Centre in Algeria. After working for four years at the Oran University Hospital Centre, she took up her current position, where she is involved in teaching and research in infectious diseases.
An active member of the Algerian Society of Infectious Diseases and the Algerian Society of Microbiology, Halima has a deep interest in skin and soft tissue infections. She is currently working on a thesis about the risk factors for complications in dermohypodermitis, an area in which she specializes. Her research and presentations have been presented at numerous scientific conferences, contributing to the development of new approaches to managing these pathologies.
Speech Title
cellulitis
Chassem Lapue Christian
Lambarene Medical Research Center
Gabon
Chassem Lapue Christian
Lambarene Medical Research CenterGabon
Biography
A qualified general practitioner, I combine expertise in emergency medicine with experience in clinical research. After serving as Chief Medical Officer, I now manage and coordinate medical projects at the Lambaréné Medical Research Center. From team supervision to managing sensitive cases, I excel in conducting rigorous medical studies and operational management. With a solid background at the University of Health Sciences, I am proficient in data analysis and digital tools. An entrepreneur at heart, I pursue the goal of improving care in dynamic environments.
Speech Title
Exploratory analysis of the effect of smoking on the distribution of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Gabonese adults: a cross-sectional study
Dr. Paula Figueroa
Guatemalan Institute of Social Security (IGSS)
Guatemala
Dr. Paula Figueroa
Guatemalan Institute of Social Security (IGSS)Guatemala
Biography
Dr. Paula Figueroa is an Infectious Disease Specialist at the Social Security of Guatemala, where she also serves as Coordinator of the PROA Commission and the Infection Control Program. She is currently collaborating with Dr. Leonel González on the development of a Histoplasma database.
Speech Title
Histoplasmosis In Guatemala, Mortality And Haematological Phenomena
Dr. Umenzekwe Chukwudi
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH)
Nigeria
Dr. Umenzekwe Chukwudi
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH)Nigeria
Biography
Dr. Umenzekwe Chukwudi Christian is an Infectious Diseases and Global Health Expert. The head of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria. I also work as a visiting Infectious Diseases consultant at the Centre for Disease Control and Research, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State. A passionate clinician and researcher with interest in Neglected Tropical Diseases; Rabies, Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis etc. I am also deeply involved in adult HIV care and the fight against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases like Lassa fever, Mpox and other arboviral infections as the case management pillar lead. In addition to these clinical duties, I also train medical students and resident doctors in Internal medicine, Infectious Diseases and Immunology.
My Academic Background: FMCP (Infectious Diseases and Immunology), MSc (Public Health Parasitology and Entomology), MBBS (Medicine and Surgery) and BSc (Parasitology and Entomology)
Speech Title
The Patter of Neglected Tropical Diseases Presentation in Two Tertiary Hospitals in South Eastern Nigeria: A TALE OF NEGLECT ON HUMAN RABIES AND THE TARGETED CONTROL MEASURES.
Dr. Aondofa, Torkwase Janet
Joseph sarwuan Tarka University, MakurdiNigeria
Dr. Aondofa, Torkwase Janet
Joseph sarwuan Tarka University, MakurdiNigeriaBiography
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Speech Title
Comprehensive Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Raoultella spp. and Misidentified Proteus mirabilis from Pediatric Clinical Samples
