Dr Sara Caldrer | Infectious Disease | Best Researcher Award

Resercher/biologist, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Italy

Sara Caldrer is a researcher and biologist based at the Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology (DITM) at IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy. With expertise in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases, she has contributed significantly to research on SARS-CoV-2, cystic fibrosis, and immune response in health and disease. Her research spans across the molecular mechanisms of infections, humoral immunity, and immune responses in various populations. Dr. Caldrer’s work has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, and she actively collaborates with institutions globally. She has served as a project coordinator, grant recipient, and laboratory leader throughout her career, continuously striving to advance knowledge in the fields of clinical microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease diagnostics.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Research Experience:
   • Dr. Caldrer has been working as a researcher and biologist at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital since November 2018. Her expertise spans infectious diseases, immunology, and microbiology, with a particular focus on SARS-CoV-2, uveitis, and cystic fibrosis (CF).
   • Her involvement in a variety of high-profile, impactful studies, such as those on COVID-19 vaccines, immune responses, and viral infection dynamics, reflects her strong research background and ongoing contributions to public health.
2. Publication Record:
   • With 19 documents published and a substantial citation count of 366, Dr. Caldrer has demonstrated her ability to generate valuable and widely referenced scientific work. Her papers in journals like Vaccines, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, and eBioMedicine showcase her involvement in cutting-edge research.
   • Notably, her involvement in research related to SARS-CoV-2 and immune response, both during the early pandemic stages and through vaccine effectiveness, highlights her adaptability and relevance in contemporary scientific research.
3. Cross-disciplinary Expertise:
   • Dr. Caldrer has worked on a range of projects, including those involving the molecular mechanisms of cystic fibrosis, the immune response to pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii, and SARS-CoV-2. Her work spans across immunology, microbiology, and infectious diseases, indicating a broad skillset and versatility.
   • Her experience with advanced laboratory techniques, including the use of synchrotron beamtime for IR-spectra creation, emphasizes her proficiency in applying innovative technologies to solve complex biological questions.
4. Collaboration and International Reach:
   • Dr. Caldrer has collaborated with various prestigious institutions and researchers across Europe, such as the University of Verona, the Louvain Centre for Toxicology, and Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam. This international network highlights her ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, further extending the impact of her research.
   • Her involvement in multicenter projects and clinical trials, such as the IMMATICS IMA901-Renal Cell Cancer phase III study, shows her capacity to manage large-scale, real-world applications of her research.
5. Leadership and Mentorship:
   • As a senior researcher, she has coordinated research efforts and led significant projects. Her leadership in the research on immune responses and the effect of vaccines on different patient groups (e.g., cancer patients, healthcare workers) reflects her ability to guide research in complex and high-impact areas.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Dissemination of Research:
   • While Dr. Caldrer has published several impactful articles, expanding her dissemination efforts to more journals, particularly those with broader international readerships, could increase the global visibility of her work.
   • Engaging more with non-scientific audiences or policy-making bodies could further highlight the practical implications of her research, particularly in public health policy regarding infectious diseases and vaccine strategies.
2. Expansion of Research Areas:
   • Dr. Caldrer’s research is currently highly concentrated in specific fields like immunology and infectious diseases. Exploring additional research areas or branching into novel therapeutic strategies might further enhance her contributions to a broader array of medical and clinical fields.
3. Public Engagement:
   • Increasing her involvement in public communication and education, perhaps through participation in public health campaigns, conferences, or collaborations with public-facing organizations

Education

Dr. Sara Caldrer completed her academic journey in Italy, earning a master’s degree in Biology, followed by a series of specialized research fellowships and collaborations. She started her career with hands-on experience in cell biology and immunology at the University of Verona, focusing on cystic fibrosis. She further honed her research skills through fellowships at prestigious institutions, such as Erasmus University Medical Center and the Cliniques St Luc – UCL in Belgium. Dr. Caldrer’s training included research on gene therapies, cancer immunotherapy, and advanced diagnostic techniques in infectious diseases. She also engaged in beamtime studies at synchrotron facilities in the UK and Italy, exploring molecular mechanisms related to immune responses. Her educational background equips her to lead multidisciplinary research and contribute to global health challenges, with a focus on disease mechanisms and therapeutic advancements.

Experience

Dr. Sara Caldrer has extensive experience as a researcher and biologist at IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy, where she has worked since November 2018. Her role involves conducting cutting-edge research in infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunology. She has coordinated multiple research projects, including work on SARS-CoV-2, Toxoplasma gondii serotypes, and soil-transmitted helminths. Dr. Caldrer has held leadership roles in various international collaborations, contributing to studies on cystic fibrosis, cancer immunotherapy, and advanced diagnostic tools. Her expertise spans molecular biology, immunology, and clinical trials, and she has worked in prestigious institutions such as the University of Verona and Erasmus University Medical Center. Dr. Caldrer’s experience also includes training and mentoring junior researchers, fostering a collaborative environment to address global health challenges. Her multifaceted career has made her a prominent figure in infectious disease research and therapeutic innovations.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sara Caldrer has received several prestigious fellowships and grants in recognition of her excellence in scientific research. She has been awarded the FFC fellowship for her work on cystic fibrosis and gene therapies, as well as recognition for her contributions to international collaborations, including the IMMATICS IMA901-Renal Cell Cancer project. Her achievements have earned her opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers and institutions across Europe, such as the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam and the Cliniques St Luc – UCL in Brussels. Her research has been supported by funding bodies, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and she has also been awarded beamtime at synchrotron facilities like DIAMON and DAONE. Dr. Caldrer’s work has been consistently recognized for its scientific impact, helping to further the understanding of infectious diseases and immune responses, making her a respected researcher in her field.

Research Focus

Dr. Sara Caldrer’s research focuses on infectious diseases, immunology, and the molecular mechanisms involved in immune responses, with a particular emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, cystic fibrosis, and tropical diseases. Her work examines humoral immunity, cellular responses to infections, and the role of immune cells in disease progression. She is particularly interested in understanding how infections affect different populations, including vulnerable groups like cancer patients and those with chronic conditions. Dr. Caldrer has explored innovative diagnostic methods, such as infrared analysis and rapid antigen tests, to improve disease detection. Her research also extends to the molecular mechanisms of inflammation and immune cell migration, crucial for understanding diseases like cystic fibrosis and Toxoplasma gondii infection. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates cell biology, microbiology, and immunology, contributing valuable insights into infectious disease management, vaccine responses, and therapeutic advancements.

Publication Top Notes

1. Changes in the Adaptive Cellular Repertoire after Infection with Different SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in a Cohort of Vaccinated Healthcare Workers 🦠💉
2. Infrared analysis in the aqueous humor of patients with uveitis: Preliminary results 🔬👁
3. Subjects who developed SARS-CoV-2 specific IgM after vaccination show a longer humoral immunity and a lower frequency of infection 🦠🛡️
4. Humoral Effect of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination with booster dose in solid tumor patients with different anticancer treatments 💉🎗️
5. Toxoplasma gondii Serotypes in Italian and Foreign Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study Using a Homemade ELISA Test 🧫🌍
6. Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Anaemia: A Neglected Association Outside the Tropics 🪱⚠️
7. A PI3Kγ mimetic peptide triggers CFTR gating, bronchodilation, and reduced inflammation in obstructive airway diseases 💊💨
8. SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test in comparison to RT-PCR targeting different genes: A real-life evaluation among unselected patients in a regional hospital of Italy 🧪🦠
9. Regulatory T Cells as Predictors of Clinical Course in Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients 🧬🏥
10. Antibody response to the bnt162b2 mrna covid-19 vaccine in subjects with prior sars-cov-2 infection 💉🦠

Conclusion

Dr. Sara Caldrer is a highly skilled and accomplished researcher with significant contributions to various biomedical fields. Her extensive experience, interdisciplinary research, leadership in international collaborations, and impactful publications make her a strong candidate for the Researcher Award. With a few adjustments to broaden her dissemination efforts and public engagement, Dr. Caldrer could continue to amplify her influence and make even greater strides in her field.