Dr. Joseph Blondeau | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Joseph Blondeau | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Royal University Hospital/University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Dr. Joseph M. Blondeau is a distinguished microbiologist with extensive expertise in clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. He currently serves as the Interim Provincial Clinical Lead for Microbiology at the Saskatchewan Health Authority and has been the Head of Clinical Microbiology at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Canada, since 2000. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Blondeau has made significant contributions to medical microbiology, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan while actively consulting for hospitals and laboratories.

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πŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Joseph M. Blondeau's academic journey began with his B.Sc. in Biology from Dalhousie University in 1983, followed by an Honours B.Sc. in Biology from the same institution in 1985. He continued his studies at Dalhousie, earning a Master of Science in Microbiology in 1985, under the guidance of Dr. J.A. Embil. Dr. Blondeau further advanced his expertise in the field of microbiology, obtaining his Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Manitoba in 1989, where he worked under the supervision of Dr. F.Y. Aoki. His solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. Dr. Blondeau's early education was completed at Riverview Rural High School in Coxheath, Nova Scotia, where he graduated with his Academic Grade 12 in 1978.

🏒 Professional Experience

Dr. Joseph M. Blondeau has held several prominent positions in the field of microbiology throughout his career. Since 2019, he has served as the Interim Provincial Clinical Lead for Microbiology at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, overseeing the province's microbiology services. In addition to this, Dr. Blondeau has been the Head of Clinical Microbiology at Royal University Hospital and the Saskatoon Health Region since 2000, where he leads clinical microbiology services and research initiatives. He has also been the Head of Clinical Bacteriology/Clinical Microbiologist at Royal University Hospital since 1996, further establishing his expertise in clinical bacteriology. Dr. Blondeau’s academic contributions have been significant, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan since 1991, where he shares his extensive knowledge with students in microbiology and immunology.

Earlier in his career, he served as the Director of Microbiology/Clinical Microbiologist at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon from 1991 to 1996, where he led the microbiology department. Dr. Blondeau has also provided consultancy services in various hospitals and laboratories, including Lloydminster Hospital (1991–1997), Biggar Union Hospital (1991–1992), Prairie Associated Pathologist Laboratory (1991–1992), and MDS – Medical Arts Laboratory (1993–1996), where he advised on microbiological diagnostics and treatment.


πŸ” Research Interests

Dr. Blondeau’s research primarily focuses on:

Antimicrobial Resistance 🦠

Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases πŸ₯

New Antimicrobial Agents & Testing Methods πŸ’Š

Diagnostic Microbiology Innovations πŸ”¬

Bacterial Pathogenesis & Emerging Pathogens 🧫

His work contributes to advancing infection control strategies and optimizing antimicrobial treatment options for public health and hospital settings.

πŸ† Awards & Honors

Dalhousie Graduate Fellowship – Faculty of Graduate Studies (1983–85)

Dalhousie Teaching Assistantship – Faculty of Graduate Studies (1983–85)

Dalhousie Graduate Travel Grant – First-ever awarded by the Department of Microbiology (1984)

Dalhousie University Honour Award – Certificate of Distinction for outstanding extracurricular activities (1985)

Certified Registered Microbiologist – Canadian College of Microbiologists (1991)

Specialist Microbiologist in Public Health & Medical Microbiology – Canadian College of Microbiologists (1995)

Fellow, The American College of Chest Physicians – (1997)

πŸ“š Selected Publications

Comparison of the Minimum Inhibitory and Mutant Prevention Drug Concentrations for Pradofloxacin and 7 Other Antimicrobial Agents Tested Against Swine Isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida

Authors: Blondeau, J.M., Fitch, S.D.

Published in: Molecules (2024)

Volume: 29(22)

 

Comparative Minimum Inhibitory and Mutant Prevention Drug Concentrations for Pradofloxacin and Seven Other Antimicrobial Agents Tested Against Bovine Isolates of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida

Authors: Blondeau, J.M., Fitch, S.D.

Published in: Pathogens (2024)

Volume: 13(5)

Citations: 1

Comparative In Vitro Killing by Pradofloxacin in Comparison to Ceftiofur, Enrofloxacin, Florfenicol, Marbofloxacin, Tildipirosin, Tilmicosin, and Tulathromycin Against Bovine Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens

Authors: Blondeau, J.M., Fitch, S.D.

Published in: Microorganisms (2024)

Volume: 12(5)

Citations: 1

Long COVID: A Consequence of Chronic Post-Infectious Inflammation!

Authors: Blondeau, J.M.

Published in: Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine (2024)

Volume: 18(12)

 

 

Dr. Natascia Bruni | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Natascia Bruni | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Candioli Pharma srl, Italy.

Natascia Bruni is an experienced regulatory compliance and quality management professional with over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and feed supplements industries. Currently, she serves as the Compliance Unit Director, Qualified Person, and QPPV at Acel Pharma srl, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring regulatory compliance, managing product registrations, and overseeing pharmacovigilance activities. Throughout her career, Natascia has worked across various sectors, including pharmaceutical companies (human and veterinary), focusing on quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and strategic business compliance. She is well-versed in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and has made substantial contributions to corporate governance, legal risk management, and quality audits.

Profile

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Orcid

Education πŸŽ“

Natascia Bruni's educational background demonstrates her deep expertise in both scientific and management fields, which has greatly contributed to her successful career in regulatory affairs and quality management. She completed her degree in Chemistry (Nuclear) at the University of Turin from 1991 to 1996, earning the highest distinction with a final vote of 110/110 con lode. This solid foundation in chemistry equipped her with a thorough understanding of chemical processes and analytical methods, which would later be pivotal in her regulatory and quality assurance roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

In addition to her scientific education, Natascia pursued specialized training in Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacovigilance for Drugs between 2001 and 2002, sharpening her skills in the complex regulatory frameworks governing drug safety and compliance. This training became essential in her role as a Qualified Person and QPPV in various pharmaceutical companies, where she led efforts to ensure products met both safety and regulatory standards.

Furthermore, Natascia completed a Business Management Course from 2015 to 2018, which enhanced her leadership, strategic planning, and operational management abilities. This course helped her integrate business and regulatory perspectives, allowing her to lead teams and drive organizational success in compliance-related activities.

Natascia also deepened her technical expertise by attending the School in Technology Enhanced Chemical Synthesis from 1996 to 1999, where she learned advanced techniques in chemical synthesis that continue to inform her work in pharmaceutical and feed supplement regulatory processes. Her multi-disciplinary education has provided a strong foundation for her leadership role in compliance and regulatory affairs, combining scientific rigor with strategic management skills.

Experience πŸ’Ό

Compliance Unit Director - Qualified Person - QPPV (2012–Present), Acel Pharma srl (Candioli Group), Beinasco (Torino)
Responsible for ensuring the regulatory compliance of raw materials and finished products, overseeing registration/approvals, and managing import/export activities. Works closely with various departments to ensure that all products sold comply with national and international regulations.

Quality Unit Manager & Qualified Person (2007–2012), Olon Spa (Fidia Group), Rodano (MI) and Settimo Torinese (To)
Led the harmonization of QA/QC and regulatory procedures across two sites, ensuring GMP and regulatory compliance for the company’s product portfolio. Managed communications with health authorities and conducted quality audits for suppliers.

Chemistry Department Responsible (1997–1999), Antibiotic Spa, Settimo Torinese (To)
Conducted independent research and developed experimental procedures within the research project scope.

Researcher (1996–1997), Antibiotic Spa, Settimo Torinese (To)
Developed analytical methods and processes in the field of pharmaceutical research.

Research Interests πŸ”¬

Regulatory Compliance in Pharmaceutical Products πŸ“œ

Natascia is particularly interested in the regulatory compliance of both raw materials and finished products in the pharmaceutical industry. Her work emphasizes the critical importance of navigating complex regulatory frameworks and ensuring that all pharmaceutical products, especially those used in veterinary medicine, comply with the highest standards of food safety, quality control, and marketing.

Pharmacovigilance & Product Registration πŸ’Š

A key area of Natascia's research is in pharmacovigilance, particularly focusing on the monitoring and reporting of adverse effects for drugs, ensuring products maintain safety and compliance throughout their lifecycle. She explores the processes involved in product registration, striving to streamline the approvals and regulatory checks necessary for market entry, particularly in international markets.

Process Improvement Methodologies πŸ”§

Natascia is also keen on exploring process improvement methodologies within the regulatory compliance space. Her work in this area aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce legal risks, and strengthen internal control structures. By continuously improving regulatory and operational processes, she contributes to creating a safer and more efficient regulatory environment for pharmaceutical companies, particularly in the feed supplement and veterinary drug sectors.

Awards πŸ…

University Senate Award: Best Academic Graduate (1996)
Awarded for excellence in academic performance by the Presidency Council of the Italian Chamber.

OPTIME Award: Best Experimental Dissertation of the Year (1996)
Recognized by the Industrial Union for outstanding research work.

Publications πŸ“š

"Molecular Characterization of the Gorgonzola Cheese Mycobiota and Selection of a Putative Probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii for Evaluation as a Veterinary Feed Additive" Published in Applied Microbiology, 2024, 4(2), pp. 650–664.

"Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement in Dogs with Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial"
Published in PLoS ONE, 2022, 17(2), e0263971.

"Chronic Kidney Disease and Dietary Supplementation: Effects on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress", Published in Veterinary Sciences, 2021, 8(11), 277.
"Chronic Intestinal Disorders in Humans and Pets: Current Management and the Potential of Nutraceutical Antioxidants as Alternatives", Published in Animals, 2022, 12(7), 812.