Elena Gómez-Sanz

Biography

I am a passionate self-driven molecular microbiologist with 15 years of research experience with increasing level of seniority, high international dimension, and a robust collaboration network. I have been doing research in Spain, Switzerland, UK, Australia and Germany. My scientific career emphases on improving the current understanding of the molecular basis and evolution of bacterial AMR from a One Health perspective. My research focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and implication of resistance in different niches; the ecology of AMR in different reservoirs; characterization of emerging mechanisms of AMR; and the genetic platforms for AMR spread. My expertise in the field has been acknowledged by the grating of some competitive fellowships, such as a Marie-Sklodowska Curie fellowship. I have also led a 4.5-year Swiss National project, within the National Research Program NRP72 “Antimicrobial Resistance”, focussed on addressing the role bacteriophages as vehicles for the emergence of AMR. As a result, I have broadened my proficiency on the AMR mechanisms in complex microbial communities; whole genome sequencing and metagenomic approaches to diagnose, survey and characterize bacterial pathogens and their mobile elements; phage biology and their contribution to AMR spread; and on translational applications for the advance of novel antimicrobial strategies. I am currently working as Senior Research Associate at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology of the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. We are dedicated to quantify the extent of hospital-wide transmission of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase -producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) among patients and over time, estimate the contribution of horizontal gene transfer to the spread of ESBL-PE in both hospital-and community settings, and determine migration of these bacteria between humans and their environment.

My research has led to over 50 scientific publications and 100 communications in international and national conferences. I have participated in eleven national and international projects, three as Principal Investigator. I have been awarded a number of grants and fellowships in competitive, merit-based calls from national and international public organizations. I regularly participate in international symposia and press releases and contribute to initiatives for strengthening and linking academic and stakeholder networks. I also undertake advisory and reviewing skills on the field for recognized national and European public institutions. Likewise, I participate as reviewer for several scientific editorials and I am member of a number of specialized scientific societies.