Andrea Gamarnik
Andrea Gamarnik | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 5, 1964 Capital Federal, Argentina |
| Alma mater | University of Buenos Aires; University of California, San Francisco |
| Occupation | Molecular virologist |
| Known for | Research on Dengue fever; development of COVIDAR IgG antibody test |
Andrea Gamarnik (born 5 October 1964 in Capital Federal, Argentina) is a distinguished Argentine molecular virologist renowned for her investigations into Dengue fever. In recognition of her work on mosquito-transmitted viruses such as Dengue, she was honored with the 2016 L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science fellowship. Her extensive contributions over the years earned her the Konex Award Merit Diploma in 2013, followed by the prestigious Platinum Konex Award in 2023.
Gamarnik completed her studies at the University of Buenos Aires and later at the University of California, San Francisco, and she has conducted significant research at the Leloir Institute. Notably, she is the first Argentine female scientist to be inducted into the American Academy of Microbiology.
Early years
Raised in Lanús, Gamarnik graduated in 1988 with top honors in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, supported by both her family and a scholarship from the Lanus College of Pharmacists. She earned her doctorate from the same institution in 1993. Following this, she undertook postdoctoral research focused on poliovirus molecular biology at the University of California in San Francisco between 1994 and 1999.
Professional career
From 2000 to 2001, Gamarnik contributed to biotech company ViroLogic by developing phenotypic assays targeting HIV as well as hepatitis B and C viruses. Returning to Argentina at the end of 2001, she founded the first Molecular Virology laboratory at the Leloir Institute. This lab has produced more than 30 scientific publications centered on dengue virus. Between 2005 and 2011, she was recognized as an International Research Scholar by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Presently, she directs the Molecular Virology Laboratory at the Leloir Institute Foundation, holds an independent researcher position with CONICET, serves as an associate editor for PLoS Pathogens, and participates on the editorial board of Virology.
Her laboratory’s pivotal research has elucidated the molecular replication mechanisms of dengue virus and revealed how it adapts to infect both mosquito vectors and human hosts. These findings have been instrumental in advancing vaccine development technologies that have been transferred to institutions in the United States.
In addition to her scientific endeavors, Gamarnik is actively involved in science policy initiatives and advocates for gender equality within scientific fields. She engages through public lectures, dialogues with Argentine presidents, and involvement in scientific organizations addressing issues such as brain drain. Her research contributions have appeared in prominent journals including Genes and Development, Virology, RNA, and Journal of Biological Chemistry.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gamarnik’s team swiftly developed "COVIDAR IgG," Argentina’s first domestically produced antibody test for SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, this diagnostic tool was created within a span of 45 days, illustrating rapid innovation in response to urgent public health demands.