FUNDING APPLICATION FOR YOUNG RESEARCH TEAMS - PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4 This document uses Times New Roman font, 12 point, 1.5 line spacing and 2 cm margins. Any modification of these parameters (excepting the figures and their captions), as well as exceeding the maximum number of pages set for each section will lead to the automatic disqualification of the application. The imposed number of pages does not contain the references; these will be written on additional pages. The black text must be kept, as it marks the mandatory information and sections of the application. CUPRINS B. Project leader ................................................................................................................................. 3 B1. Important scientific achievements of the project leader ............................................................ 3 B2. Curriculum vitae ........................................................................................................................ 5 B3. Defining elements of the remarkable scientific achievements of the project leader ................. 7 B3.1 The list of the most important scientific publications from 2004-2014 period ................... 7 B3.2. The autonomy and visibility of the scientific activity. ....................................................... 9 C.Project description ....................................................................................................................... 11 C1. Problems. ................................................................................................................................. 11 C2. Objectives. ............................................................................................................................... 13 C3. Impact. ..................................................................................................................................... 14 C4. Methodology. .......................................................................................................................... 15 C5. Resources and budget. ............................................................................................................. 18 2 B. Project leader B1. Important scientific achievements of the project leader (maximum 2 pages) Please present the most important contributions of the project leader in his/her research field. The main scientific achievement of the project leader (as main investigator or as coordinator of research grants) within the proposed topic (parasitic arthropods, vector-borne diseases, wild animal medicine): Obtaining the title of Diplomate of European College of Zoological Medicine, being the only Romanian Diplomate recognized by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation. Within the COST European Network “European Network for Neglected Vectors and Vector- Borne Infections (EURNEGVEC)” coordinated by the project leader, the first exhaustive identification keys for ticks from Europe have been produced and are under publication in the form of a monograph. Description of four species new to science (nov. sp.): Isospora farahi nov. sp. (from the lizard Agama rueppelli in Kenya) (Mihalca et al. 2009), Ixodes ariadnae nov. sp. (from bats in Europe) (Hornok et al. 2014), Linognathus samburi nov. sp. (from the antelope Madoqua guentheri in Kenya) (Durden et al. 2014), Stachiella roumanicus nov. sp. (from the European mink Mustela lutreola in Romania) (Mey et al. in prep). Morphological redescription and genetic characterization of some rare species of ticks: Ixodes auriculaelongae (Central African Republic), Ixodes aulacodi (Ivory Coast) and Rhipicephalus camicasi (Kenya). First report of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Lyme Disease agent) infection in endagered carnivore species: the Marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and European mink (Mustela lutreola) (Gherman et al. 2012b). First highlight of the medical importance of Rhipicephalus rossicus tick in areas sympatric with R. sanguineus (Mihalca et al. 2014, Dumitrache et al. 2014, Sándor et al. 2014a). First experimental proof for solving the transmission cycle of Borrelia turcica (Kalmár et al. 2014). First report of Trichinella spiralis infection in carnivores of Mustelidae family in Europe (Oltean et al. 2014). First report in Europe of Knemidocoptes intermedius (scaly leg mites in wild birds) (Dabert et al. 2011). First report in Eastern Europe of Thelazia callipaeda (zoonotic vector-borne nematode with ocular localization in dogs) (Mihalca et al. submitted). 3 First exhaustive analysis and introduction of the concept of co-endangered tick species in literature (Mihalca et al. 2011). First nationwide study regarding the diversity and distribution of ticks in Romania (Mihalca et al. 2012a, c). First national distribution maps of two major tick-borne zoonoses: Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) (Kalmár et al. 2013) and granulocytic anaplasmosis (caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum) (Matei et al. submitted), the first pan-national study regarding the epidemiology of canine filariases (Ionică et al. in press) and the first nationwide study on the distribution and epidemiology of the main vector-borne zoonoses in dogs (Mircean et al. 2012). First report of an autochthonous case of canine leishmaniasis in Romania after 80 years of apparent absence (Mircean et al. 2014). First report in Romania of certain parasites from domestic or wild animals: Cercopithifilaria bainae (agent of canine subcutaneous filariasis) (Ionică et al. 2014), Knemidocoptes jamaicensis (scaly leg mites in wild birds) (Dabert et al. 2013) etc. First extensive survey on the role of foxes as reservoir hosts for major zoonoses (Șuteu et al. 2014b), for the role of wild birds (Sándor et al. 2014) and micromammals as reservoirs for major vector-borne pathogens (Mihalca et al. 2012b; Dumitrache et al. 2011, 2013). First study from Romania on the diversity of ticks parasitic on humans (Briciu et al. 2011). Development of a new innovative method for collecting ticks from the environment (Gherman et al. 2012a). First approach to the concept of conservation medicine in Romania by reporting some potentially pathogenic infections in endangered species: Alaria alata parasitic polymyositis in European minks (Mustela lutreola) (Tăbăran et al. 2013), mesothelial metaplasia caused by the nematode Spiroxys contortus in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) (Miclăuș et al. 2013; Miclăuș et al. 2014), vector-borne zoonoses infection in Greek tortoises (Testudo graeca) (Paștiu et al. 2012), the ecology of vector-borne parasite in reptiles (Mihalca et al. 2008; Majláthová et al. 2008; Široký et al. 2006, 2009). 4 B2. Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages) This must contain at least the following categories of information: (a) information about the degrees and diplomas; (b) information about the professional experience and jobs. This will include, in particular, the professional positions where the project leader coordinated a team, a group or a research laboratory, if any. Personal data Date of birth: 20.01.1978 (36 years) Place of birth: Cluj-Napoca Marital status: married, 2 children. Degrees and diplomas 2014: Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine, Wildlife Population Health specialization (European Board of Veterinary Specialisation). 2013: Habilitation (PhD coordinator): University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca (USAMV CN). 2007: Doctorate (PhD) in Medical Sciences (Veterinary Medicine - Parasitology specialisation): USAMV CN. 2003: Master of Science (MSc) (Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis): USAMV CN 2002: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): USAMV CN. 1996: Baccalaureat Degree: “Avram Iancu” high school of Cluj-Napoca Professional experience 2002-2003 PhD Student, USAMV CN. 2003-2006 pre-Assistant Lecturer, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, USAMV CN. 2006-2009 Assistant Lecturer, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, USAMV CN. 2009-2013 Lecturer, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, USAMV CN. 2013-2014 Associate Professor, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, USAMV CN. 2012-2014 Vice-rector for International Relations, USAMV CN. Relevant prizes In Hoc Signo Vinces (Best Young Scientist), National Research Council (CNCSIS) (2010) 5 International stages and mobility 10 teaching mobility stages under Erasmus: Bari, Teramo (Italy), Brno, Prague (Czech Republic), Lisbon (Portugal), Valencia (Spain). Scholarships: CEEPUS (Hungary), Erasmus (Portugal), Nicolae Titulescu (Czech Republic). Practical stages: Lisbon Oceanarium, Lisbon Zoo, Budapest Zoo. Overview of research activity Project leader of two European Grants and three international research service contracts. Project leader in three national grants; principal investigator in one national grant. Team member in four European projects; Invited expert in CALLISTO (FP7), VectorNet (ECDC), ESCMID (Veterinary Microbiology Steering Group). Team member in 12 national grants. Main organizer of 6 scientific expeditions in Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Central African Republic). Overview of publications 52 papers published in peer-reviewed journals with impact factor (total IF 114.5) of which 33 as principal author. 12 ISI proceedings papers. 25 other scientific papers and 80 conference abstracts. Editor and author of the monograph: [Lyme Disease in Romania] [in Romanian], author of 4 chapters in international monographs, author of 3 textbooks (of which one in English). Member in the Editorial Board