Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Istittuto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale G.Caporale | Italy

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo is an accomplished veterinary researcher specializing in marine animal health, wildlife pathology, and aquaculture sustainability. With a career devoted to understanding the effects of emerging diseases, pollutants, and environmental stressors on aquatic species, she has made significant contributions to marine ecosystem monitoring and animal welfare. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, she brings extensive experience in diagnostics of wild and stranded marine animals, including necropsy, histology, parasitology, cytology, and molecular diagnostics. Her research also extends to microplastics detection and the assessment of their biological impacts on marine organisms. Dr. Di Renzo holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences, Public Health, and Animal Welfare, along with postgraduate specializations in Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine and dual second-level master’s degrees in Aquaculture of the Future and Healthcare Management and Administration. Her interdisciplinary background bridges veterinary pathology, marine ecology, and environmental biotechnology, positioning her at the forefront of integrated marine health research. She is the author and co-author of over 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications featured in leading journals such as Pathogens, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Environmental Pollution, Animals, PLoS One, and Scientific Reports. Her impactful work on cetacean diseases, sea turtle health, microplastics contamination, and zoonotic pathogens has earned her international recognition, contributing to global marine conservation efforts. Beyond her research, Dr. Di Renzo actively participates in national scientific boards and committees on aquaculture and wildlife health, providing expert advisory input for policy and conservation strategies. She has delivered numerous presentations at international conferences including the European Cetacean Society, World Marine Mammal Conference, and International Sea Turtle Symposium, sharing insights into the health challenges facing marine wildlife. Fluent in Italian and English, with intermediate Portuguese proficiency gained through Erasmus experience at the University of Lisbon, she also dedicates her time to volunteer work with Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus and Sub Loto, supporting marine rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo’s scholarly impact is reflected in 36 documents, 318 citations, and an h-index of 11, underscoring her sustained contributions to advancing veterinary and marine science globally.

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Featured Publications

Di Renzo, L., Mariani, G., Matiddi, M., Silvestri, C., Chiesa, S., Petochi, T., Marino, G., Pizzurro, F., Fazio, S., Rossi, E., et al. (2025, October 6). First survey on sea turtles’ interactions in mussel farms in Italy. Animals, 15(19), 2909. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192909

Pizzurro, F., Nerone, E., Di Domenico, M., Ancora, M., Mincarelli, L. F., Salini, R., Di Renzo, L., Fazio, S., & Recchi, S. (2025, April 3). Realistic environmental exposure of microplastics in European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis: Evaluation of accumulation and depuration under controlled conditions and molecular assessment of a set of reference genes. Water, 17(7), 1063. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071063

Di Febo, T., Di Francesco, G., Grattarola, C., Sonsini, L., Di Renzo, L., Lucifora, G., Puleio, R., Di Francesco, C. E., Smoglica, C., Di Guardo, G., et al. (2025, January 2). Serological diagnosis of Brucella infection in cetaceans by rapid serum agglutination test and competitive ELISA with Brucella abortus and Brucella ceti as antigens. Pathogens, 14(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010026

Grattarola, C., Pietroluongo, G., Belluscio, D., Berio, E., Canonico, C., Centelleghe, C., Cocumelli, C., Crotti, S., Denurra, D., Di Donato, A., et al. (2024, September). Pathogen prevalence in cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 2015 and 2020. Pathogens, 13(9), 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090762

Di Renzo, L., De Angelis, M. E., Torresi, M., Mariani, G., Pizzurro, F., Mincarelli, L. F., Esposito, E., Oliviero, M., Iaccarino, D., & Di Nocera, F., et al. (2024, April 18). Genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species isolated from sea turtles. Microorganisms, 12(4), 817. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040817

Yan Tong Koh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Tong Koh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Tong Koh | Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group | Singapore

Dr. Koh Yan Tong is an accomplished clinician-scientist whose research contributions have significantly advanced understanding in paediatric ophthalmology, adult strabismus, and ocular inflammation. Her published works span reputable international journals, addressing diverse topics such as retinal diseases, orbital trauma, and uveitis, with clinical implications for both adult and paediatric eye care. Her research has been cited in 11 scientific documents, reflecting her growing influence in ophthalmic literature, and she maintains an h-index of 1, demonstrating the emerging recognition of her early scholarly impact. In addition to her active research pursuits, Dr. Koh plays a pivotal role in clinical leadership, medical education, and translational ophthalmic studies, bridging clinical excellence with academic innovation across the National Healthcare Group and affiliated medical schools.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Koh, Y. T., Chee, S. P., Fong, K. C., Tan, C. S., & Lim, W. K. (2013). Characteristics and ophthalmic manifestations of the classic dengue fever epidemic in Singapore (2005–2006). Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 2(3), 175–179.