Dr. Francesca Micoli | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Francesca Micoli, Director GVGH Innovation Academy, GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, Italy

Dr. Francesca Micoli, born on October 5, 1977, in Martina Franca, Italy, is a renowned chemist and senior project leader at GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Siena). With over two decades of experience in vaccine research and development, she currently directs the GVGH Innovation Academy, advancing solutions for bacterial diseases and working on cutting-edge vaccine technologies. Her expertise spans glycoconjugation, nanoparticle design, and mRNA stabilization.

Profile

Education 🎓

Francesca earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Florence in 2006, specializing in industrial organic chemistry. Her academic foundation in organic synthesis and catalysis laid the groundwork for a prominent career in vaccine development and drug discovery.

Experience 🧪

Dr. Micoli’s career journey includes leading roles at GSK and Novartis, with a focus on vaccine chemistry, molecular biology, and immunoassay. She has managed teams, driven projects on vaccines for bacterial diseases, and pioneered innovative technology platforms. Her leadership at GVGH has been instrumental in progressing global vaccine programs from preclinical to clinical stages.

Research Interest 🔬

Francesca’s research interests lie in developing vaccines for bacterial infections, such as Shigella and Klebsiella, and advancing technology platforms like glycoconjugation, nanoparticles, and monoclonal antibodies. Her work contributes to combating global health threats and advancing immunization science.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Micoli is a Six-Sigma Black Belt and has received various professional recognitions. Her contributions to vaccine development and analytical chemistry are widely acknowledged, solidifying her position as a leader in the field.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Nappini et al. (2024). Modeling CDAP Chemistry to Design Glycoconjugate Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel). Link.

Monaci et al. (2024). 1H, 13C, and 15N assignment of MrkA Protein Antigen. Biomol NMR Assign. Link.

Leroux-Roels et al. (2024). Safety and Immunogenicity of GMMA-based Shigella Vaccine. J Infect Dis. Link.

Mr. Boubacar Barry | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Student, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health & Agriculture), Guinea

Boubacar Barry is a dedicated student specializing in Vaccine Production and Quality Control at the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI) in Nigeria. With a strong focus on Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccines, his research aims to contribute to global efforts to eradicate this disease by 2030. Boubacar’s academic journey is marked by practical experience and significant collaborations, positioning him as a promising young scientist in veterinary vaccine research.

Profile

Education 🎓

Boubacar recently completed his Master’s in Vaccine Production and Quality Control at PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His academic work has focused on the genetic stability of PPR vaccines, which plays a crucial role in ensuring effective disease control in livestock across Africa.

Experience 💼

During his internship at the AU-PANVAC in Ethiopia, Boubacar gained hands-on experience in vaccine quality control, working alongside leading experts in the field. His academic journey has also included collaborations with fellow researchers at PAULESI, enhancing his understanding and skills in vaccine production and quality assessment.

Research Interests 🔍

Boubacar’s primary research interests are centered around Vaccine Production and Quality Control, particularly regarding PPR virus vaccines. His work focuses on genetic stability, molecular evolution of vaccines, and the development of safe and effective vaccines for small ruminants. Additionally, he explores the implications of livestock diseases on public health and economic stability in Africa.

Publications Top Notes 📚