Speakers at Pre conference course F - How to contain insects: challenges to be overcome when working with invasive species, genetically modified insects and on pathogen-vector interactions
Pre conference course F - How to contain insects: challenges to be overcome when working with invasive species, genetically modified insects and on pathogen-vector interactions
About the speakers
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Ruth Müller
My expertise lays in the fields medical entomology, vector ecology, ecotoxicology and aquatic biodiversity. My aim is to better understand the relationships between biodiversity, climate change and human health and use this interdisciplinary knowledge to protect environmental and human health. My recent research projects address vector ecology and biology in the context of climate change, the development of eco-friendly vector control tools and integrative eco-bio-social concepts to combat vector-borne diseases.
Present Professional Position
- Institute of Tropical Medicine. Antwerp, Belgium; head of Unit Entomology
- University of Antwerp; Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Associate Professor; part-time position
Academic Education and Degrees
- Diplom Biologist Freie Universität Berlin 03/2003
- Dr. rer. nat. Universität Bremen 11/2008
- Associate Professor of Entomology; Institute of Tropical Medicine; Antwerp, Belgium; 10/2018
- Professor of Entomology; Institute of Tropical Medicine; Antwerp, Belgium; Department Biomedical Sciences 01/2022
- Associate Professor; University of Antwerp; Belgium 09/2023
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Tania Persampieri
With over a decade of experties in the field of exotic arthropods and evaluation of genetically modified (GM) mosquito fitness and efficacy, involving both self-limiting and self-sustaining genetic systems, my recent professional focus has shifted towards the oversight of regulatory frameworks and containment measures for GM arthropods. Currently, I serve as Biosafety Manager at the Genetic and Ecology Research Centre of Polo GGB. In this role, I am dedicated to ensuring strict adherence to safe work practices and procedures, with a specific emphasis on research activities related to the application of gene drive technology for controlling vector-borne diseases. My primary responsibilities encompass managing regulatory compliance, negotiating material transfer agreements (MTAs), and developing tailored standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as a comprehensive good laboratory practice manual for the handling of genetically modified arthropods. I actively contribute to the creation of training materials designed to instruct researchers and laboratory users on safety protocols, ensuring that personnel are adequately trained to access and carry out activities in BSL-2+ (Biosafety Level 2) area. Furthermore, my involvement extends to the execution of risk assessments for research activities, aiming to ensure the safety and compliance with current national and international regulations in all research projects.
Present Professional PositionBiosafety Manager at POLO D'INNOVAZIONE DI GENOMICA GENETICA e BIOLOGIA SRL
Academic Education and Degrees
- Specialisation Degree In Biostatistics for Medical Research and Scientific Reporting, University of Padua, Italy
- Professional qualification of Biologist and duly registered with the professional association (ToU_A2876)
- MSc (Hons) in Medical Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy