Health Researcher at Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche, Italy
Dr. Laura Madeo is a dedicated Italian molecular biologist with extensive experience in laboratory diagnostics, clinical biochemistry, and applied research in veterinary and food safety fields. Born on August 10, 1978, she currently holds a permanent position as a Healthcare Researcher at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM). Her expertise spans from immunodiagnostics to molecular biology techniques, particularly real-time PCR, ELISA, and protein expression systems. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to animal health and zoonotic disease research, focusing on tuberculosis diagnosis, OGM detection, and vaccine development. Her work has led to numerous publications in peer-reviewed international journals and participation in key national and European conferences. Registered in the Italian Biologists Register (Section A), Dr. Madeo is also proficient in data analysis, scientific writing, and quality assurance processes in laboratory settings. Alongside her scientific achievements, she demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and a passion for the arts, including music and photography. Her professional journey illustrates a firm commitment to integrating academic research with practical applications in public and animal health, showcasing her as a competent and versatile figure in molecular and diagnostic biology.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Laura Madeo has cultivated a rich academic background that underpins her extensive scientific expertise. She earned her Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a specialization in ecological biology from the University of Perugia in 2005, graduating with full honors (110/110 e lode). Her thesis focused on the taxonomy and geographic distribution of freshwater bryozoans in Lake Trasimeno, utilizing advanced microscopy techniques. In 2006, she passed the state examination to become a certified biologist. Further enhancing her qualifications, she completed her Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Agro-environmental Biotechnology in 2009 at the University of Perugia, conducting experimental research on cysteine-rich receptor kinases in Arabidopsis under stress conditions. Continuing her education, she specialized in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” in 2016, acquiring in-depth knowledge of diagnostic pathology and molecular techniques applicable to human and veterinary medicine. These educational achievements have provided her with the theoretical foundation and technical skillset necessary to conduct high-level research, develop diagnostic assays, and contribute meaningfully to both academic and applied scientific domains.
Professional Experience
Dr. Madeo has a comprehensive and varied professional trajectory spanning over fifteen years, marked by progressive responsibilities in both research and laboratory diagnostics. Since January 2024, she serves as a permanent Healthcare Researcher at IZSUM, leading bovine tuberculosis diagnosis through Gamma Interferon testing and contributing to method validation, interlaboratory circuits, and scientific publications. From 2019 to 2023, she held the same position on a fixed-term basis, focusing on clinical chemistry, hematology, and COVID-19 testing. Previously, from 2016 to 2019, she worked on zoonotic pathogen detection in wildlife through innovative diagnostic methods. Her earlier roles include key contributions to recombinant vaccine development, OGM traceability methods, and gene expression studies in plants. Notably, her international experience at the John Innes Centre in the UK broadened her research on plant-pathogen interactions. Additional experiences range from teaching science and math to middle school students to providing technical support for pharmaceutical master programs. Her professional versatility is further reflected in her participation in multiple EU and national research initiatives, highlighting her ability to bridge laboratory practice with real-world applications in veterinary and food safety sectors.
Research Interests
Dr. Laura Madeo’s research interests reflect a strong commitment to improving diagnostic tools and understanding molecular mechanisms underpinning animal and plant health. Her primary focus lies in the application of molecular biology to veterinary diagnostics, particularly for the detection of zoonotic diseases such as bovine tuberculosis. She has shown a long-standing interest in the development and validation of rapid diagnostic assays, including ELISA, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence methods, for both infectious diseases and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Her academic background in plant biotechnology continues to influence her interdisciplinary approach, evidenced by her research on Arabidopsis thaliana receptor kinases and plant-pathogen signaling pathways. Dr. Madeo is also invested in the development of recombinant vaccines and the production of virus-like particles for immunization and diagnostics. Her recent studies on biomarkers, such as microRNAs and immune profiling in cattle, underline her engagement with translational research. Additionally, her collaboration with international and national partners has expanded her research into animal welfare and food safety, placing her at the intersection of basic research and its practical implementation in public health.
Research Skills
Dr. Madeo is highly skilled in a broad range of molecular biology and diagnostic techniques. She excels in PCR-based technologies, including end-point PCR, real-time PCR with TaqMan probes, and multiplex assays, particularly for pathogen detection and GMO identification. She is proficient in DNA/RNA extraction from complex matrices, protein expression and purification using baculovirus-insect cell systems, ELISA assay development, comet assay for DNA damage, and immunofluorescence techniques. Dr. Madeo has extensive experience with chromatographic purification methods, ultracentrifugation, and analytical validation of new diagnostic protocols. She is adept at data analysis using software such as SDS 2.4, BioEdit, FASTPCR, and statistical tools like ANOVA and SIGMAPLOT. Furthermore, she has managed interlaboratory circuit evaluations and participated in method accreditation processes under European SOP standards. Beyond technical prowess, she brings strong documentation and scientific writing skills, as evidenced by her peer-reviewed publications. Her ability to integrate wet lab research with bioinformatics tools and quality management systems makes her a versatile and reliable figure in research-driven laboratory environments.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Dr. Laura Madeo has been the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and research opportunities. She was awarded multiple research scholarships and contracts from national agencies, including those funded by the Ministry of Health and the European Social Fund. Notably, she won a competitive Erasmus LLP scholarship to conduct experimental research at the renowned John Innes Centre in the UK, where she explored gene expression mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, her participation in major EU-funded projects such as SMART HORSE and national veterinary initiatives underscores her valuable contributions to science and public health. Her co-authorship in high-impact journals like Plant Physiology, New Phytologist, and Poultry Science demonstrates peer recognition of her scientific work. She has also been invited to present at numerous international conferences, including the EAVLD and WAVLD, and contributed significantly to the development of national diagnostic protocols, particularly for OGM detection and tuberculosis surveillance. These accolades reflect her commitment to excellence in research and her status as a recognized professional in the fields of veterinary diagnostics and molecular biology.
Conclusion
Dr. Laura Madeo’s career exemplifies the fusion of scientific rigor, diagnostic innovation, and commitment to public and animal health. With a solid academic foundation, enriched by a Ph.D. and a specialization in clinical biochemistry, she has navigated diverse research domains—from plant genetics to zoonotic diseases. Her role at IZSUM underscores her ability to apply molecular diagnostics to real-world health challenges, notably in the fight against bovine tuberculosis and in the evaluation of animal welfare. Her versatile skill set, ranging from protein expression systems to PCR-based pathogen detection, positions her as a valuable asset in both research and diagnostic settings. Recognized through scientific publications and international collaborations, Dr. Madeo continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of veterinary and food safety sciences. Her trajectory reflects not only professional competence but also a profound passion for scientific inquiry, collaboration, and societal impact. Through her work, she bridges the gap between laboratory science and field application, making her a key contributor to interdisciplinary research aimed at safeguarding both animal and human health.
Publications Top Notes
-
Title: How the kinetic behavior of organic chickens affects productive performance and blood and meat oxidative status: a study of six poultry genotypes
Authors: Simona Mattioli, Alice Cartoni Mancinelli, Laura Menchetti, Alessandro Dal Bosco, Laura Madeo, Monica Guarino Amato, Livia Moscati, Elisa Cotozzolo, Claudia Ciarelli, Elisa Angelucci, et al.
Year: 2021
-
Title: Fatal systemic toxoplasmosis in a 3-month-old young tibetan goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Laura Madeo et al.
Year: 2020
-
Title: Tecniche diagnostiche “non convenzionali” per l’identificazione di dermatofiti in campo umano e veterinario: sequenziamento genico vs MALDI-TOF MS
Author: Laura Madeo
Year: 2017
-
Title: Diagnosis of ovine foot rot in Italian sheep farms
Author: Laura Madeo
Year: 2017
-
Title: Il DNA comet assay nell’identificazione di alimenti irradiati: primo approccio con i vegetali
Author: Laura Madeo
Year: 2011
-
Title: The Arabidopsis thaliana cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase CRK20 modulates host responses to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 infection
Authors: Ederli L., Madeo L., Calderini O., Gehring C., Moretti C., Buonaurio R., Paolocci F., Pasqualini S.
Year: 2011
-
Title: Deciphering cGMP signatures and cGMP-dependent pathways in plant defence
Authors: Meier S., Madeo L., Ederli L., Donaldson L., Pasqualini S., Gehring C.
Year: 2009
-
Title: NO release by nitric oxide donors in vitro and in planta
Authors: Ederli L., Reale L., Madeo L., Ferranti F., Gehring C., Fornaciari M., Romano B., Pasqualini S.
Year: 2009
-
Title: Ozone and nitric oxide induce cGMP-dependent and -independent transcription of defence genes in tobacco
Authors: Pasqualini S., Meier S., Gehring C., Madeo L., Fornaciari M., Romano B., Ederli L.
Year: 2009
-
Title: Ectopic expression of a basic helix-loop-helix gene transactivates parallel pathways of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. Structure, expression analysis, and genetic control of leucoanthocyanidin 4-reductase and anthocyanidin reductase genes in Lotus corniculatus
Authors: Paolocci F., Robbins M.P., Madeo L., Arcioni S., Martens S., Damiani F.
Year: 2007