A Date with Science: Advancing malaria biology - a bridge between the field and the lab

This seminar is a part of ITM's 'A Date with Science': a series of academic seminars that take place every last Thursday of the month, live in Antwerp followed by a drink and online.

Programme:

• 3pm – 4pm: Academic seminar in aula Janssens (and online)

• 4pm – 5.30pm: Drink in Karibu at ITM

Speaker: Anna Rosanas-Urgell

Title: Advancing malaria biology - a bridge between the field and the lab

Abstract:

In the Malariology Unit, our research is dedicated to understanding the nuanced dynamics of malaria parasites' adaptation within the host environment. Utilising state-of-the-art molecular 'omic’, and cell technologies, our investigations provide/forge a crucial link between controlled laboratory experiments and the complex real-world scenarios of malaria transmission. Within our unit, we have three distinct lines of research:

1. Our first research line focuses on the mechanism and regulation of P. vivax invasion and drug resistance. By integrating genomic, transcriptomic, functional assays and genetic engineering approaches, we aim to unravel the intricate regulatory pathways that govern these key biological processes in P. vivax.

2. The second research line explores host and environmental factors that determine sexual conversion and transmission in P. falciparum parasites. We delve into how host factors such as exposure to drugs, host genetics, metabolism and immunity can modify individual risk and modulate parasite decision to replicate or reproduce.

3. The third research line investigates the emergence, and spread of drug resistance in malaria parasites. Leveraging advanced Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms and a large network of collaborators, we strive to support ongoing efforts in monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing strategies for control and elimination of malaria.

Register:

Please register to attend in person or to follow online

Short Bio:

Anna Rosanas-Urgell is a molecular epidemiologist and geneticist, with over 15 years of experience working with Plasmodium parasites. She has a MSc in Experimental research and a MSc in Epidemiology (distance-learning) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. After completing her PhD in Genetics in 2004, Prof Rosanas-Urgell spent two years as a Postdoctoral researcher at the University of São Paulo investigating P. vivax spleen evasion mechanisms, and 6 months at the Hospital of Tropical Medicine in Manaus collaborating in the monitoring of the malaria surveillance system. In 2007, she joined ISGlobal (Barcelona) and moved to the Institute of Medical Research (Madang Unit), Papua New Guinea. In 2009, she was appointed Head of the Molecular and Epidemiology Unit and spent 3 years developing and leading the malaria molecular epidemiology program. In October 2012, she joined the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp as Head of the Malariology Unit. Current activities span Plasmodium research in Africa, South America, South-East Asia and Oceania.