Dr. Yolanda Sáenz is the Principal Investigator in the Molecular Microbiology Area at the Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Spain. Her group characterises mechanisms used by pathogenic bacteria to resist antimicrobial action, increase virulence or protect themselves from environmental pressures. Over the last years, she has achieved a long track record from a One Health approach in antimicrobial resistance, mainly in Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae. Her work also focuses on the finding of new substances, compounds or technologies (such as cold atmospheric plasma) with antimicrobial or antibiofilm activity. Overall, she has participated in 32 national and international research projects, has published more than 150 indexed articles, 11 book chapters, 300 conference communications, and holds one patent. She has acquired a broad and varied research experience from academic stays at prestigious research centres in Spain, Belgium and Peru. She has also supervised numerous students and collaborated in national and international university teaching and scientific activities. She is a member of the Networks RED2022-134545-T and RED2024-153647-T, and was also a member of the Network P220RT0168 CYTED, COST Actions CA19110 and CA18113, and REIPI Spanish Networks. She is a member of various scientific societies (ESCMID, SEM, GEIVEX, BSAC, GEMARA-SEIMC), as well as an editor/reviewer of scientific journals and evaluator of international projects.

Prof. Domenico Schillaci is currently Full Professor of Microbiology at Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF) at University of Palermo, Italy. He teaches Microbiology for Pharmacy students and supervises numerous theses in the field of applied microbiology. His research focuses on antibiotic resistance, particularly the mechanisms linked to biofilm-associated pathogens. He has led projects to improve the effectiveness of antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, tobramycin, vancomycin, colistin, ciprofloxacin) using nano/micro-delivery systems and functionalized polymers. He has also investigated anti-virulence strategies, targeting enzymes like Sortase A, and explored natural and synthetic anti-biofilm agents. His current scientific interest is on the potential of antimicrobial peptides from natural sources in new drug development. Prof. Schillaci is a regular speaker at international conferences and has authored 117 publications (Scopus AU-ID: 6603674133, h-index: 36, citations: 4,035). In October 2022, October 2023, October 2024, he was named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University. He serves as a peer reviewer for several journals and has been on the editorial board of Antibiotics (MDPI) since April 2021.

Professor Stefano Di Bella is an Associate Professor at the University of Trieste and Director of the School of Specialization in Infectious Diseases. Since 2024, he has served as the Head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina) in Trieste. Born in 1984, Professor Di Bella has developed extensive expertise that combines clinical practice, medical education, and research, with a strong commitment to evidence-based medicine. The Infectious Diseases Unit in Trieste, led by Professor Stefano Di Bella, is a referral center for the management of both acute and chronic infectious diseases. The unit provides inpatient care, day hospital services, outpatient clinics, and infectious disease consultation services across the hospital. Its patient-centered approach places particular emphasis on the care of vulnerable and high-risk patients. The unit specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, invasive fungal infections, and infections affecting oncology patients and other immunocompromised individuals. It also promotes the responsible use of antibiotics through antimicrobial stewardship programs and actively participates in national and international clinical research studies. The School of Specialization in Infectious Diseases trains physicians in the diagnosis and management of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, with a particular focus on complex patients and advanced therapeutic approaches. Residents are actively involved in journal clubs, research projects, international training opportunities, and clinical trials. Overall, Professor Stefano Di Bella and his team provide a dynamic academic and clinical environment where patient care, education, and research are closely integrated to train the next generation of infectious disease specialists.

Dr. Márió Gajdács is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Albert Szent-Györgyi Faculty of Medicine at the University of Szeged. He received his pharmacy degree, Ph.D. (medical microbiology), board certification in “Pharmacology”, and “Non-clinical and clinical research” from the University of Szeged, and holds a Master in Public Health (MPH; specialization: epidemiology) and a Master of Healthcare Management from the University of Pécs. His research interests comprise the investigation of the influencing factors and facilitators of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using epidemiological and social science methods; he is also interested in digital epidemiological/infodemiological studies, and other topics of public health importance. He published >180 publications in peer-reviewed journals.