Stanford University includes three researchers from NEIKER amongst the most prestigious scientists in the world

• The specialist in environmental microbiology, Carlos Garbisu and animal health experts, Ramón Juste and Ana Hurtado, have been included in the “Ranking of the World Scientists: World´s Top 2% Scientists”, that is published annually by the American University
• The recognition, which reflects the scientific excellence of NEIKER, is particularly laudable considering the small number of researchers at this centre compared to other entities included on the Stanford list

For the second year in a row, Dr. Carlos Garbisu, who is the current Scientific director at NEIKER technology centre, and Dr. Ramón Juste, a researcher from NEIKER’s Animal Health Department, have been included in the prestigious Ranking “World´s Top 2% Scientists” published by Stanford University (California). Additionally, this edition also includes Dr. Ana Hurtado, a researcher from NEIKER’s Animal Health Department.

The most quoted researchers in the world are included on this list, which is a great recognition for those that comprise it. In fact, this ranking is currently considered the most prestigious international scientific benchmark to understand the impact of the work done by scientists.

This recognition also reflects NEIKER’s own scientific excellence. It is particularly laudable considering the small number of researchers at NEIKER compared to the many other centres included in the Stanford list and the fact that NEIKER shares its research with providing service and transferring it to the primary sector of the Basque Country to add value and improve its competitiveness.

Professional career

Dr. Garbisu, NEIKER’s Chief Scientific Officer, has made significant contributions to advancing the understanding of the microorganisms living in the soil, with a special focus on agricultural and polluted soils, and trailblazing contributions to the field of Soil Microbial Ecology in the Basque Country. He has also contributed theoretical and practical knowledge to the field of degraded soil remediation. A significant portion of his research currently focusses on the risk of emergency and spreading of antibiotic resistance in agroecosystems.

For his part, Dr. Ramón Juste, a researcher in NEIKER’s Animal Health Department, conducts scientific research on animal health. His core scientific contributions delve into mycobacteriosis. He developed the first epidemiological and economic model to control paratuberculosis and has proven specific and non-specific effects of the vaccine. His greatest current interest is along this line, as he is uncovering the existence of a common innate slow inflammatory disease mechanism and its applications for active immunotherapy.

Finally, Dr. Ana Hurtado, a researcher from NEIKER’s Animal Health Department, has focused her work on developing and improving diagnostic and characterisation methods of zoonotic infectious agents of importance in animal health, particularly pathogens transmitted through food. Recently, she leads a line of work for a rational use of antibiotics in livestock and focuses her research on epidemiological monitoring of resistant bacteria of animal origin and the characterisation of its resistance mechanisms. Her current interests are focused on studying the role played by primary production on the production of healthy and safe food and the impact of livestock on antimicrobial resistance.