Prof. Marta Fiołka | Microbiology | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Marta Fiołka, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Poland.

Dr. Marta Fiołka is a professor at UMCS specializing in invertebrate immunology and biomedical research. She is renowned for her work on antimicrobial and anticancer compounds derived from earthworms 🪱. With 12 patented inventions, numerous national awards 🏆, and active international collaborations, she combines scientific innovation with public science outreach 📢. As a mentor, lecturer, and science promoter, Dr. Fiołka inspires future researchers through her passion, creativity, and groundbreaking discoveries.

Profile

Scopus Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Marta Fiołka began her academic journey with a Master’s degree in Biology from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin on June 17, 1993. Her thesis, under the supervision of Prof. Jan Jarosz, explored the “Effect of hydrocortisone on the defensive reactions of larvae Galleria mellonella.” She earned her PhD in Biological Sciences (specialty: Invertebrate Immunology) on April 12, 2006, with a dissertation titled “Lysozymes of selected invertebrate species as natural immune defence factors,” supervised by Prof. Teresa Jakubowicz. On June 24, 2016, she was awarded the title of habilitated doctor for her research on “Antimicrobial and anti-tumor substances from isolated bacteria and tissues of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta.” 🧬📚

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Fiołka’s professional journey reflects her dedication to biological sciences. She began as a specialist in the Department of Animal and Environment Hygiene at the Agricultural University in Lublin (1993–1998), before becoming an assistant at UMCS in the Department of Insect Pathology (1998–2006). She continued her career at UMCS as an adjunct and later as a professor in the Department of Immunobiology, where she now serves as a full professor since 2019. Her international fellowships include training at the Medical University of Lublin and a research project in Japan at Chiba University under Prof. Nozomu Takeuchi. 🌍🔬

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus On Microbiology

Dr. Fiołka’s core research explores bioactive compounds from earthworms, focusing on their antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, cell biology, and biotechnology. She has pioneered work on the coelomic fluid of Dendrobaena veneta, identifying key protein-polysaccharide complexes and metabolites with therapeutic potential. Her studies have resulted in 12 patented inventions and numerous peer-reviewed publications. She also leads a national research network involving several top Polish institutions. 🐛🧫💊

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Fiołka has significantly advanced the field of invertebrate immunology and biomedicine. Her research has fostered collaborations across Poland and Japan, and she has served as reviewer of multiple doctoral theses and high-impact journal articles. She has mentored numerous students, promoted intellectual property awareness, and organized microbiology and flow cytometry laboratories. Her public outreach efforts, including lectures, exhibitions, and media appearances, highlight her commitment to science popularization and education. 🧑‍🏫📢

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Fiołka demonstrates proficiency in cell culture techniques, antimicrobial screening, immunoblotting, microscopic imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular biology. She skillfully integrates interdisciplinary methods to identify, isolate, and characterize bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. She’s a versatile researcher, equally adept at experimental design, patent development, and cross-institutional collaborations. 🔍🧫🧪

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Fiołka has received numerous accolades, including:

Scientific Award of the Minister of Science (2024) 🏆
Marie Curie Research Award (2020)
Rector’s Awards (2015–2023)
Silver Medal for Long-Term Work (2018)
National Education Committee Medal (2015)
Prime Minister’s Badge of Merit for Inventiveness (2015)

These honors underscore her excellence in scientific innovation, academic leadership, and public service. 🎖️🎓

🏛️ Legacy and Future Contributions

As a leading authority on the medical applications of earthworms, Dr. Fiołka’s legacy lies in bridging traditional biology with innovative medical biotechnology. She envisions expanding her research into nanomedicine and personalized therapies, continuing her collaboration with Chiba University and Polish medical institutions. As a founder and mentor of a thriving student research club, she is nurturing the next generation of scientists while advocating for intellectual property awareness in academia. Her work is setting a precedent for eco-friendly biomedical discovery. 🌍🧑‍🎓🔬

Publications Top Notes

📘 1. Preliminary proteomic analysis of mouse lung tissue treated with cyclophosphamide and Venetin-1

👩‍🔬 Authors: P. Czaplewska, M. Muller, N. Musiał, B. Tokarz-Deptuła, M.J. Fiołka
📰 Journal: Scientific Reports
📅 Year: 2024
🧪 Focus: Investigating protein-level changes in mouse lung tissue exposed to Venetin-1, a compound derived from earthworms.
🔍 Keywords: Proteomics, lung tissue, cancer treatment, Venetin-1

📘 2. Prospects of earthworm coelomic fluid as a potential therapeutic agent to treat cancer

👩‍🔬 Authors: S. Haque, A. Hussain, A.H. Almalki, M.K. Srivastava, M.J. Fiołka
📰 Journal: [Name not specified] (likely a peer-reviewed open access journal)
📅 Year: Not specified (but likely 2023–2024 based on listing)
🌱 Focus: Reviews the therapeutic potential of earthworm coelomic fluid for oncological applications.
💊 Keywords: Earthworm-derived compounds, anticancer agents, coelomic fluid

📘 3. Autophagy of Candida albicans cells after the action of earthworm Venetin-1 nanoparticle with protease inhibitor activity

👩‍🔬 Authors: S. Wójcik-Mieszawska, K. Lewtak, E. Skwarek, J. Pawelec, M.J. Fiołka
📰 Journal: Scientific Reports
📅 Year: 2023
🧫 Focus: Explores how Venetin-1 nanoparticles derived from earthworms induce autophagy in Candida albicans fungi.
🦠 Keywords: Antifungal therapy, Venetin-1, protease inhibitors, autophagy

Ms. Jenny Yusim | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jenny Yusim, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.

Ms. Evgenia (Jenny) Yusim is an accomplished researcher specializing in microbiology, environmental microbiology, molecular biology, and systems biology. She holds an MSc in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology from the University of Haifa, where she explored the polymorphism of natural populations of Emericella nidulans. Dr. Yusim has over two decades of experience in academia and research, with roles at the Agricultural Research Organization and the Galilee Society. Her innovative work integrates molecular techniques and environmental studies, as highlighted in her publications in Environmental Research and Israel Journal of Ecology & Evolution. She actively shares her findings at international conferences, advancing scientific understanding.

Professional Profile:

Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Ms. Evgenia (Jenny) Yusim demonstrates exceptional expertise in the fields of Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Systems Biology. Her research contributions are distinguished by the integration of electrochemical anaerobic reactors and genomic-based modeling to study methanogenic activity in microbial communities exposed to environmental contaminants. With a strong educational background, including an MSc in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, and significant work experience across prominent research centers, Yusim has made notable contributions to microbial ecology and the understanding of environmental stressors on natural populations. Her work is well recognized in the academic community, with multiple presentations at prestigious conferences and a robust list of impactful publications. Given her advanced research capabilities, dedication to advancing knowledge in her field, and significant contributions to environmental microbiology, Yusim is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Education Background:

Ms. Evgenia (Jenny) Yusim has a strong educational foundation in biology and environmental sciences. She earned her MSc in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology from the University of Haifa, where she conducted groundbreaking research on the polymorphism of natural populations of Emericella nidulans under stressful environments, supervised by Prof. Abraham Korol. Prior to this, she completed a B.Sc.Ed in Education in Biology Science at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, combining her passion for scientific inquiry with a dedication to education. This comprehensive academic background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel in multidisciplinary research and education.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Evgenia (Jenny) Yusim has extensive professional experience in both academia and research. She currently conducts research as part of her PhD studies at the Newe Ya’ar Research Center and the Galilee Society for Applied Research Institute. Previously, Dr. Yusim served as the Head of the Science Education Laboratory at Gordon Academic College of Education from 2016 to 2021. She also worked as a Biology Lab Technician and Teacher Assistant at The Hebrew Realy High School from 2007 to 2016. Additionally, Dr. Yusim has contributed to research at the University of Haifa, focusing on evolutionary and environmental biology.

🌍Research Contributions On Microbiology

Dr. Evgenia (Jenny) Yusim has made significant contributions to the fields of microbiology, environmental microbiology, and molecular biology. Her research focuses on microbial communities, particularly in response to environmental stressors. Notably, her work on Emericella nidulans explores genetic diversity and adaptive mechanisms in natural populations. Dr. Yusim’s recent research integrates electrochemical anaerobic reactors and genomic-based modeling to examine methanogenic activity in microbial communities, particularly in environments contaminated by BTEX. Her innovative interdisciplinary approach advances the understanding of microbial dynamics in both natural and stressed environments, as reflected in her recent publications and conference presentations.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Evgenia (Jenny) Yusim has received significant recognition for her contributions to microbiology, environmental microbiology, and molecular biology. Her groundbreaking research, including her publication in Environmental Research on methanogenic activity in microbial communities, has earned widespread acclaim. Dr. Yusim has been a prominent presenter at prestigious conferences, such as the Israel Society for Microbiology Annual Meetings and the Annual Conference for Science and the Environment. Her oral and poster presentations have showcased her innovative approaches to environmental challenges. These achievements underscore her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and highlight her as a distinguished researcher in her field.

Publication Top Notes

The mode of reproduction in natural populations of ascomycetous fungus, Emericella nidulans, from Israel

📰 Genetics Research, 92(2), 83-90

📅 Year: 2010

🔢 Citations: 7

Microsatellite diversity in natural populations of ascomycetous fungus, Emericella nidulans, from different climatic-edaphic conditions in Israel

📰 Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution, 56(2), 119-134

📅 Year: 2010

🔢 Citations: 5

Marta Fiołka | Microbiology | Excellence in Research Award