Prof, The University of Tokyo, Japan 🩺
Dr. Meng Ling Moi is a renowned virologist specializing in the prevention of tropical and emerging virus diseases. She has made significant contributions in viral pathogenesis, diagnostics, vaccine development, and epidemiology. Dr. Moi’s research has led to the successful creation of in vitro and in vivo models for evaluating vaccines for flavivirus and COVID-19. She is also a key figure in global efforts to control high-threat pathogens such as Zika and SARS-CoV-2, working closely with international organizations like WHO and GOARN. Her expertise spans across surveillance, transmission, and the development of rapid diagnostic tools.
Profile
Orcid
Education 🎓
Dr. Moi holds a Ph.D. from Tsukuba University, Japan (2010), specializing in virology. She also completed her M.Sc. in 2006 from the same institution, and her B.Sc. in Environmental Science from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2002 with First Class Honors. Her extensive education in virology has been crucial in shaping her career and contributions to the field of tropical disease research.
Experience 🧑🔬
Dr. Moi’s career includes significant roles, including Professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Medicine (2021-present) and External Expert Panel Member at the WHO COVID Global Reference Laboratory (2020-present). She has held leadership roles in virology and tropical medicine, including serving as Deputy Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical and Emerging Virus Diseases. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge in viral infections, diagnostics, and vaccine development.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Moi’s primary research interests lie in viral pathogenesis, transmission, and the development of vaccines for tropical viruses like dengue, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2. She is also focused on the surveillance of viral emergence, population immunity, and the epidemiology of virus outbreaks. Additionally, her work includes developing in vitro and in vivo models to understand the immune responses to viral infections and improving diagnostics for emerging diseases.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Moi’s groundbreaking research has earned her numerous accolades, including the Japan Medical Research and Development Grand Prize in 2020 and the Female Researcher Award from the Japanese Society of Tropical Medicine in 2019. She also received the Young Researcher Award (Sugiura Prize) in 2018 and the Best Paper Award from Nagasaki University in the same year. Dr. Moi is also recognized for her contributions to science with awards like the Young Scientist Award (2016) and the Incentive Prize for Medicine from the MSD Life Science Foundation.
Publications 📚
Dr. Moi has published extensively on topics related to virology and vaccine development, with notable works in top-tier journals. Some of her key publications include:
“Marmosets as a non-human primate model for evaluation of candidate dengue vaccines” – J Gen Virol, 2017. Link
“Zika virus infection and microcephaly in Vietnam” – Lancet Infect Dis, 2017. Link
“Utility of an In-Vitro Micro-Neutralizing Test for Dengue Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, and Zika Virus Serology” – Pathogens, 2023. Link
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Meng Ling Moi is an exemplary nominee for the Women Researcher Award, as her exceptional achievements in virology have contributed significantly to global health advancements. Her groundbreaking work in viral pathogenesis, diagnostics, and vaccine development, along with her leadership in international projects, positions her as a role model for aspiring researchers. Dr. Moi’s continued dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her contributions to tackling high-threat pathogens make her a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.