Assoc. Prof. PhD Department of Virology at National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases , Bulgaria.
Dr. Petia Dinkova Genova–Kalou is an Associate Professor and Head of the National Reference Laboratory for “Cell culture, rickettsiae and oncogenic viruses” at the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), Bulgaria. With over two decades of experience in virology and molecular biology, she has led numerous research initiatives focusing on viral diagnostics, rickettsial pathogens, and oncogenic viruses. Her academic journey spans prominent institutions across Europe, including bilateral research through the SOCRATES-ERASMUS program. Renowned for her contributions to public health and infectious disease control, Dr. Genova–Kalou has held key academic and leadership roles since 2005. Her work has significantly impacted national preparedness for viral outbreaks, and she remains a leader in clinical virology research and laboratory innovation.
🌍 Professional Profile:
ORCID
Scopus
🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :
Dr. Petia Dinkova Genova–Kalou exemplifies excellence in biomedical research through her impactful contributions to virology, infectious diseases, and public health. As Head of the National Reference Laboratory, she has advanced diagnostics and surveillance strategies for oncogenic viruses and rickettsiae. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology, clinical virology, and cell culture technologies, has enhanced Bulgaria’s response to emerging viral threats. She actively participates in international collaborations and trains future virologists. With sustained leadership, scientific rigor, and a commitment to translational research, Dr. Genova–Kalou’s work addresses critical global health challenges. Her consistent academic progression and robust publication record demonstrate her suitability for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing both her research achievements and her contributions to national health systems.
🎓 Education :
Dr. Genova–Kalou holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology with a specialization in Virology from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (1999). She completed her Ph.D. in Biology at the same university in 2004, conducting part of her research through the SOCRATES–ERASMUS bilateral program in collaboration with the University of Ioannina, Greece. Her doctoral work provided foundational insights into viral mechanisms and interspecies pathogenicity. In 2015, she further specialized in Clinical Virology at the Medical University of Sofia, strengthening her translational research capacity between laboratory findings and clinical diagnostics. Her multi-disciplinary education in biology, virology, and medicine uniquely positions her to lead complex research projects addressing infectious and oncogenic viral threats.
🏢 Work Experience :
Dr. Genova–Kalou has served at the NCIPD since 2005, evolving through academic and administrative ranks. She began as an Assistant in the Department of Virology, leading the “Cell Cultures” lab. Between 2008 and 2012, she held leadership roles in labs specializing in herpes infections and respiratory viral diseases. By 2013, she was appointed Head of the National Reference Laboratory for Rickettsiae and Cell Cultures, and since 2019, she oversees the expanded lab for Cell Culture, Rickettsiae, and Oncogenic Viruses. Her extensive experience includes managing viral outbreak diagnostics, developing advanced cell culture models, and coordinating inter-institutional research. With a progressive academic career and demonstrated excellence in virology research, Dr. Genova–Kalou is a seasoned leader in infectious disease science.
🏅Awards and Honors
Dr. Petia Genova–Kalou has earned recognition for her scientific leadership and research excellence in virology. Her early academic achievements were supported by the SOCRATES–ERASMUS program, facilitating international collaboration with Greece. At NCIPD, she has been regularly honored with institutional commendations for outstanding laboratory innovation and contributions to national viral diagnostics programs. She has represented Bulgaria in regional and international public health initiatives and conferences. Her leadership during critical virological crises has drawn acclaim from peers and public health authorities alike. While formal national or international awards are not specifically listed, her long-standing directorship of a National Reference Laboratory and academic advancement to Associate Professor reflect high professional esteem and consistent research impact.
🔬 Research Focus :
Dr. Genova–Kalou’s research centers on virology with particular emphasis on oncogenic viruses, rickettsial pathogens, and advanced cell culture applications. Her work bridges molecular virology and clinical diagnostics, aiming to understand viral pathogenesis, host-virus interactions, and mechanisms of virus-induced oncogenesis. She also focuses on improving diagnostic protocols for emerging and re-emerging infectious agents. Her laboratory supports surveillance, early detection, and control of viruses with epidemic potential, contributing to Bulgaria’s national infectious disease response system. In recent years, she has expanded her research to include zoonotic transmission patterns and biosafety in laboratory environments. Through interdisciplinary and translational approaches, her work strengthens both scientific understanding and practical public health outcomes in infectious disease management.
📘 FELINE BARTONELLOSIS – A MINI REVIEW
🗓️ Year: 2025 | 📚 Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine |
👩🔬 Genova-Kalou, P. et al.
🔗 DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2023-0020
🧫 Detection of Helicobacter pylori in saliva based on surface plasmon resonance by binding of Lewis b (Leᵇ) blood group antigen to specific adhesin BabA
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 📚 Biotechnology and Biotechnological Equipment | ✍️ Cited by: 1
👩🔬 Genova-Kalou, P. et al.
🔗 DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2024.2379828
🧪 Evaluation of a model system based on bimolecular interaction of SARS-CoV-2 S- and N-structural proteins and a specific antibody by SPR assay
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 📘 AIP Conference Proceedings |
👩🔬 Genova-Kalou, P. et al.
🔗 DOI: 10.1063/5.0184300
🦠 First Insight into the Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii Infection among Veterinary Medicine Students in Bulgaria
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 📚 Infectious Disease Reports | ✍️ Cited by: 2
👩🔬 Genova-Kalou, P. et al.
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/idr16050061
🧬 Monkeypox in Bulgaria: Significance of Various Clinical Samples, Clinical Manifestation, and Molecular Detection
🗓️ Year: 2024 | 📚 Journal of Clinical Medicine | ✍️ Cited by: 3
👩🔬 Genova-Kalou, P. et al.
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164856