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Ani Ioana Cotar | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

PhD, senior researcher at Cantacuzino Research Institute, Romania.

Dr. Ani Ioana Cotar is a distinguished research scientist and head of the National Center for Expertise and Intervention in Public Health for Biological, Chemical, Radiological, and Nuclear Agents at the “Cantacuzino” National Medico-Military Institute in Bucharest, Romania. Her career spans over 20 years, specializing in virology and vector-borne infections, including high-impact diseases such as West Nile, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. Her expertise in molecular diagnostics and pathogen characterization has positioned her at the forefront of infectious disease research, with extensive experience in immunology and molecular biology techniques. Dr. Cotar’s significant role in global health initiatives is underscored by her work with the EVDLabNet and WHO in external quality assurance (EQA) schemes. Her commitment to advancing public health and her innovative research approaches make her a prominent figure in the field, with her contributions directly impacting diagnostic accuracy and understanding of viral pathogen epidemiology.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Cotar’s educational background includes a Ph.D. in Biology from the Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, completed in 2009. She holds an MSc in Genetics from the same institution and a BSc in Biology. Additionally, she completed two postdoctoral fellowships; one at the University of Bucharest, where she deepened her understanding of molecular biology, and the other under the European Program for Public Health Microbiology (EUPHEM) in Stockholm. This extensive education laid the groundwork for her career in vector-borne infections and public health. Her advanced studies, particularly in molecular epidemiology, prepared her for her pioneering role in pathogen identification and control. Dr. Cotar’s academic accomplishments highlight her commitment to integrating science with public health practices to improve diagnostic protocols and preventive strategies against infectious diseases.

Professional Experience

Dr. Cotar began her career at the “Cantacuzino” Institute in 2001 as a biologist and progressed to roles of increasing responsibility, becoming a Research Scientist I by 2022 and Head of the National Center in 2023. Her experience includes leading projects on the molecular diagnostics of high-risk vector-borne pathogens and implementing quality assurance testing for the WHO. Her work includes crucial contributions to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics during the pandemic and coordinating whole-genome sequencing for bacterial pathogens. She has developed protocols for DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and real-time PCR, bringing rigorous scientific standards to her laboratory’s practices. Her leadership and technical expertise have contributed to significant advancements in Romania’s capacity to detect, monitor, and respond to infectious disease threats, particularly in vector-borne pathogens affecting both national and global health landscapes.

Research Interest

Dr. Cotar’s research interests lie in the molecular epidemiology and diagnostics of viral and bacterial vector-borne pathogens. Her work focuses on identifying and characterizing infectious agents such as West Nile, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses, as well as bacterial pathogens like Rickettsia and Borrelia. She is committed to improving diagnostic capabilities through molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics. Dr. Cotar’s research extends to quality assurance, participating in global quality initiatives that enhance laboratory accuracy for pathogen detection. Her expertise in molecular typing and genome sequencing reflects her focus on understanding pathogen transmission, evolution, and resistance, critical for developing effective public health interventions.

Award and Honor

Dr. Cotar has been recognized for her contributions to public health and infectious disease research. Her work on the frontlines of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics and her efforts to establish protocols for emerging viral and bacterial pathogens have earned her respect within the scientific community. She has received accolades for her role in quality assurance initiatives with the WHO and her contributions to the EVDLabNet. These recognitions underscore her commitment to improving diagnostic accuracy and public health response capabilities, and her dedication has positioned her as an authority in virology and infectious disease research in Romania and beyond.

Conclusion

Dr. Cotar’s deep specialization in vector-borne infectious diseases, coupled with her proven track record in molecular diagnostics and quality assurance, establishes her as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her consistent contributions are essential to advancing both national and global health research on infectious diseases.

Publications top noted

Title: Increasing the Awareness of Under-Diagnosed Tropical Cases of Dengue in Romania
Authors: Cismaru, I.M., Radu, M.A., Cotar, A.I., Ghemulet, I., Gheorghita, V.
Year: 2023
Citation: Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2023, 8(10), 469.

Title: First Detection and Molecular Characterization of Usutu Virus in Culex pipiens Mosquitoes Collected in Romania
Authors: Prioteasa, F.L., Dinu, S., Tiron, G.V., Ceianu, C.S., Cotar, A.I.
Year: 2023
Citation: Microorganisms, 2023, 11(3), 684.

Title: Distribution of Insecticide Resistance Genetic Markers in the West Nile Virus Vector Culex pipiens from South-Eastern Romania
Authors: Stancu, I.G., Prioteasa, F.L., Tiron, G.V., Ceianu, C.S., Csutak, O.
Year: 2022
Citation: Insects, 2022, 13(11), 1062.

Title: Original Contributions to the Chemical Composition, Microbicidal, Virulence-Arresting, and Antibiotic-Enhancing Activity of Essential Oils from Four Coniferous Species
Authors: Visan, D.-C., Oprea, E., Radulescu, V., Chifiriuc, M.C., Marinas, I.C.
Year: 2021
Citation: Pharmaceuticals, 2021, 14(11), 1159.

Title: Characterization and Host-Feeding Patterns of Culex pipiens s.l. Taxa in a West Nile Virus-Endemic Area in Southeastern Romania
Authors: Tiron, G.V., Stancu, I.G., Dinu, S., Ceianu, C.S., Cotar, A.I.
Year: 2021
Citation: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2021, 21(9), pp. 713–719.

Title: Emergence of Toscana Virus, Romania, 2017-2018
Authors: Popescu, C.P., Cotar, A.I., Dinu, S., Ceianu, C.S., Florescu, S.A.
Year: 2021
Citation: Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2021, 27(5), pp. 1482–1485.

Title: Increased Risk of Chikungunya Infection in Travelers to Thailand During Ongoing Outbreak in Tourist Areas: Cases Imported to Europe and the Middle East, Early 2019
Authors: Javelle, E., Florescu, S.-A., Asgeirsson, H., Hamer, D.H., Gautret, P.
Year: 2019
Citation: Eurosurveillance, 2019, 24(10), 1900146.

Title: West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Romania, 2015-2016: Co-Circulation and Strain Replacement
Authors: Cotar, A.I., Fǎlcuţǎ, E., Dinu, S., Ceianu, C.S., Prioteasa, F.L.
Year: 2018
Citation: Parasites and Vectors, 2018, 11(1), 562.

Title: Re-Emergence of Severe West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease in Humans in Romania, 2012 to 2017 – Implications for Travel Medicine
Authors: Popescu, C.P., Florescu, S.A., Cotar, A.I., Ceausu, E., Ruta, S.M.
Year: 2018
Citation: Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2018, 22, pp. 30–35.

Title: Lack of Zika Virus Antibody Response in Confirmed Patients in Non-Endemic Countries
Authors: Lustig, Y., Cotar, A.I., Ceianu, C.S., Aarons, E., Reusken, C.
Year: 2018
Citation: Journal of Clinical Virology, 2018, 99-100, pp. 31–34.

Ani Ioana Cotar | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

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