Noemí Sevilla | Vaccine Research | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Dr. Noemí Sevilla | Vaccine Research | Excellence in Research Award 

Professor | Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA)-CSIC | Spain

Prof. Dr. Noemí Sevilla Hidalgo is a distinguished Full Professor and Director at the Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA, CSIC, Spain), with a prolific career spanning over three decades in virology, immunology, and animal health, focusing on zoonotic and veterinary pathogens. Her research has elucidated viral immune evasion strategies, host-pathogen interactions, and immune responses in both small and large animal models, directly informing vaccine design. After completing her PhD in Molecular Biology at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where she received the Doctorate Extraordinary Award, she pursued postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI, USA) under a Human Frontiers Fellowship, studying dendritic cell roles in viral immunity and demonstrating dual viral evasion mechanisms. These results were published in high-impact journals and have received over 3,115 citations. Returning to Spain via the Ramon y Cajal program, she established her research group at CISA, focusing on Bluetongue virus (BTV), Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV), and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Her contributions span viral immune evasion, characterization of host immune responses to BTV and PPRV, and the development of recombinant adenoviral vaccine platforms. Sevilla has actively contributed to scientific leadership through conference organization, editorial service, and grant review panels. She has received eight competitive fellowships and authored 70 publications, maintaining an h-index of 30 with 3,115 citations, reflecting her global impact and sustained contributions to virology, immunology, and vaccine research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Louloudes-Lázaro, A., Nogales-Altozano, P., Rojas, J. M., Veloz, J., Carlón, A. B., Van Rijn, P. A., Martín, V., Fernández-Sesma, A., & Sevilla, N. (2025). Double-stranded RNA orbivirus disrupts the DNA-sensing cGAS-sting axis to prevent type I IFN induction. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.

2. Herder, V., Caporale, M., MacLean, O. A., Pintus, D., Huang, X., Nomikou, K., Palmalux, N., Nichols, J., Scivoli, R., Boutell, C., … (2024). Correlates of disease severity in bluetongue as a model of acute arbovirus infection. PLoS Pathogens.

3. Ciudad, C. J., Valiuska, S., Rojas, J. M., Nogales-Altozano, P., Aviñó, A., Eritja, R., Chillón, M., Sevilla, N., & Noé, V. (2024). Polypurine reverse hoogsteen hairpins as a therapeutic tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Journal of Biological Chemistry. Cited by: 4

4. Herder, V., Caporale, M., MacLean, O. A., Pintus, D., Huang, X., Nomikou, K., Palmalux, N., Nichols, J., Scivoli, R., Boutell, C., … (2024). A machine learning framework to identify the correlates of disease severity in acute arbovirus infection [Preprint]. bioRxiv.Cited by: 4

5. Pinsino, A., & Sevilla, N. (2024). Editorial: Women in comparative immunology. Frontiers in Immunology.Cited by: 5

Ashutosh Singh | Virology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ashutosh Singh | Virology | Best Researcher Award

Phd Scholar at VIT Bhopal University, India

Ashutosh Kumar Singh is a dedicated biotechnology researcher specializing in virology, computational biology, and molecular diagnostics. His academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing the understanding of viral pathogens and their impact on human and environmental health. He has developed expertise in laboratory techniques such as droplet digital PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, microscopy, primer designing, and molecular docking using advanced computational tools. Through his work, he has contributed to international publications and actively participated in conferences, presenting his research on wastewater-based epidemiology, viral detection, and structural analysis of pathogens. His interest extends to the integration of computational and experimental approaches, enabling him to explore host-pathogen interactions and the role of environmental surveillance in public health. With a vision to bridge laboratory science with real-world challenges, Ashutosh Kumar Singh continues to grow as a researcher committed to innovation, global health security, and sustainable disease monitoring strategies.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Education

Ashutosh Kumar Singh has pursued a comprehensive academic journey in biotechnology, beginning with foundational studies in biological sciences and later advancing into specialized training in virology, molecular diagnostics, and computational biology. His education equipped him with a strong grounding in laboratory techniques, analytical skills, and the theoretical knowledge required to address complex biological questions. During his higher studies, he explored cutting-edge tools in molecular biology, including droplet digital PCR, primer design, molecular docking, and bioinformatics. His academic progression reflects a balance between experimental practice and computational applications, preparing him to address multidisciplinary challenges in biotechnology. Through coursework, seminars, and research-based projects, he developed critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, further enriched by his participation in workshops and scientific discussions. His educational journey has cultivated a deep interest in global health, virology, and environmental monitoring, establishing a strong foundation for his ongoing research and professional growth in the field of biotechnology.

Experience

Ashutosh Kumar Singh has gained substantial experience through research, publications, and active participation in scientific forums. He has presented posters and delivered talks at national and international conferences, focusing on the detection and surveillance of enteric viruses in environmental and clinical settings. His work highlights the application of droplet digital PCR in tracking pathogens such as norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus. He has collaborated on multiple research studies that investigate viral epidemiology, genotypic diversity, and host-pathogen interactions. Beyond bench work, he has engaged with computational approaches, applying molecular docking, phylogenetics, and structural analysis to better understand viral mechanisms. His contributions include several published research articles in reputed journals, showcasing his ability to connect environmental surveillance with public health outcomes. His experience reflects a blend of experimental expertise, computational analysis, and active engagement with the scientific community, enabling him to make meaningful contributions to virology, biotechnology, and global health research.

Research Focus

Ashutosh Kumar Singh’s research focuses on the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and environmental monitoring of infectious pathogens with significant public health impact. His studies investigate enteric viruses such as noroviruses and rotaviruses, applying advanced molecular tools like droplet digital PCR to enhance pathogen detection in wastewater and community samples. Singh’s work also extends to bacterial diseases including scrub typhus and genital tuberculosis, addressing their role in reproductive health and disease transmission. By conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, he synthesizes existing evidence to provide a clearer understanding of disease patterns and clinical implications. His interdisciplinary research bridges virology, microbiology, and epidemiology, emphasizing the importance of One Health perspectives in tackling emerging infections. Singh is particularly interested in integrating laboratory diagnostics with surveillance frameworks, enabling early detection and prevention strategies. His research ultimately aims to inform healthcare policies, strengthen global health security, and reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Investigating the Presence of Rotavirus in Wastewater Samples of Bhopal Region, India, by Utilizing Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: RK Nema, AK Singh, J Nagar, B Prajapati, M Sikenis, S Singh, V Diwan, et al.
Journal: Cureus, 16(4), 2024
Summary: This study applied droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect rotavirus in wastewater samples from Bhopal, India. The findings highlight the importance of wastewater surveillance in monitoring viral pathogens and supporting public health strategies.

Title: Deciphering the Genotypic Diversity and Epidemiology of Scrub Typhus Genotypes in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: RK Nema, AK Singh, D Raj, P Gupta, RR Tiwari, S Purwar
Journal: Microbial Pathogenesis, Article 107182, 2024
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the genetic diversity of Orientia tsutsugamushi genotypes in India. It provides insights into scrub typhus epidemiology and stresses the need for genotype-specific diagnostic and preventive strategies.

Title: Protocol for Detection of Pathogenic Enteric RNA Viruses by Regular Monitoring of Environmental Samples from Wastewater Treatment Plants Using Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: RK Nema, S Singh, AK Singh, DK Sarma, V Diwan, RR Tiwari, RK Mondal, et al.
Journal: Science in One Health, 3, 100080, 2024
Summary: This article presents a standardized ddPCR-based protocol for detecting enteric RNA viruses in wastewater treatment plants. The method improves sensitivity and accuracy, aiding in early outbreak detection and public health preparedness.

Title: The Evolving Landscape of Norovirus GII Genotypes in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: AK Singh, J Nagar, A Tandekar, S Singh, V Diwan, GC Ravindran, et al.
Journal: Journal of Clinical Virology, Article 105809, 2025
Summary: This meta-analysis examined Norovirus GII genotype diversity across Asia. The findings highlight emerging strains, epidemiological trends, and implications for vaccine development and regional disease control.

Title: Genital Tuberculosis: A Silent Contributor to Infertility and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: M Sikenis, B Prajapati, AK Singh, K Yadav, A Rahman, MK Pandey, et al.
Journal: Journal of Reproductive Healthcare and Medicine, 5(17), 2024
Summary: This review highlights the overlooked role of genital tuberculosis in infertility and pregnancy complications. It emphasizes the importance of improved screening and diagnostic awareness in reproductive healthcare.

Title: Detection of Noroviruses GII in Wastewater Samples of Bhopal, India, Using Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: RK Nema, J Nagar, AK Singh, A Tandekar, S Singh, A Rahman, et al.
Journal: medRxiv (Preprint), 2023
Summary: This preprint reports the detection of Norovirus GII in wastewater samples from Bhopal using ddPCR. The study underscores the value of environmental surveillance in tracking viral spread and assessing community health risks.

Conclusion

Ashutosh Kumar Singh embodies the qualities of a researcher committed to scientific innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public health advancement. His journey demonstrates a balance of academic rigor, laboratory expertise, and computational proficiency, positioning him as a promising contributor in the fields of biotechnology and virology. His dedication to understanding viral pathogens and developing sensitive diagnostic methods reflects his vision of integrating science with practical solutions for global health challenges. With multiple publications, active conference participation, and hands-on experience in advanced molecular techniques, he has established a strong foundation for impactful contributions to research and society. His work in wastewater-based epidemiology underscores the importance of environmental monitoring in preventing and controlling outbreaks, while his computational insights strengthen the understanding of viral evolution and host interactions. Moving forward, his focus remains on expanding innovative research, building global collaborations, and applying biotechnology for the betterment of human and environmental health.