Conicet researcher Emilio Malchiodi, 72 years old, a renowned figure in Argentine and international science, proudly remembers his training in Villa Constitución, a city that adopted him since he was a child. Although he was born in Rosario, Malchiodi moved to our city with his family at the age of 8, where he attended primary and secondary school, forming a bond that he maintains to this day.
“I am the son of Albino Malchiodi, a teacher at Comercial de Villa. My mother, a Santilli, was from Villa Constitución, so the city was always our place of origin. I went to high school at the Commercial School, where I had unforgettable teachers like Gladys Longhi, whom I remember with great affection,” he commented in an exclusive interview with SUR Multimedios journalist, Ariel Gómez, on the radio program “Noticias Urbanas.”
Malchiodi graduated as a commercial expert in 1970 and lived in our city with his family on Mendoza Street, almost Rivadavia.
An impressive resume
Currently, Malchiodi has an outstanding academic and scientific career: He is a full and plenary professor of Immunology at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry (UBA). He directs the Institute for Humoral Immunity Studies (IDEHU) and the Vaccine Laboratory (LAVAX) at CONICET and UBA. He has led important international projects, including CRUZIVAX, funded by the European Commission with more than 8.4 million euros.
His career also includes a doctorate in Immunology at the UBA, several postdocs in Argentina and the United States, and the supervision of more than 18 doctoral theses. Among the multiple awards and honors he has received, the Bernardo Houssay Prize, the Innovar Prize and, recently, the 2023 César Milstein Prize for Research in Biotechnology with an Impact on Health stand out. This prestigious award, awarded by CONICET and the Pablo Cassará Foundation, highlights his work on the CRUZIVAX project, which aims to create a prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against Chagas disease.
“The César Milstein Prize is an enormous honor, especially because it bears the name of one of the most outstanding Argentine scientists in history. This recognition is an impetus to continue with research that can transform the lives of millions of people affected by Chagas,” Malchiodi expressed in dialogue with SUR Multimedios.
CRUZIVAX: a hope against Chagas
The CRUZIVAX project, led by Malchiodi, seeks to develop a prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against Chagas, an endemic disease that affects millions of people in Latin America and other regions of the world.
“Chagas is a global health problem due to migration. We are working with ten European groups to develop a vaccine, overcoming unique challenges posed by parasites, whose cellular design is very similar to that of our own cells. This makes vaccines against them much more difficult to develop than those against viruses or bacteria,” he explained.
An adopted son of Villa Constitución
Malchiodi not only shines for his achievements, but also for his roots in Villa Constitución. “I have enormous affection for the city and the people. I keep in touch with my high school friends and extended family that still lives there. Being Villa’s adopted son marked me for life,” he said.
This sentiment is shared by the local community, which celebrates its trajectory as an example of the potential of Argentine public education. “The training I received in Villa Constitución, both in primary and secondary school, was key. The public school in Argentina has been a pillar for training professionals who transcend borders,” he stressed.
A legacy of resilience and commitment
Throughout his career, Malchiodi faced economic and political challenges that led him to temporarily emigrate. However, he always returned to the country to continue contributing to the Argentine scientific system.
“In every crisis I left, but it was never my intention to stay outside. Returning always allowed me to strengthen ties and develop projects such as the Chagas vaccine. Despite the difficulties, Argentine scientists continue to stand out for our capacity for innovation and resilience,” he reflected.
Emilio Malchiodi’s legacy, both in science and in his connection with Villa Constitución, is a reminder of the transformative impact of education and scientific research.
CRUZIVAX
A HIGH IMPACT PROJECT
The CRUZIVAX project has the collaboration of ten research groups in Europe and is funded by the European Commission with more than 8.4 million euros. It seeks to combat a disease endemic to Latin America that, due to migration, also affects countries such as the United States, Canada and Europe. “Developing vaccines against parasites like Chagas is a complex challenge because their biology is very similar to that of our cells. But we are advancing in the preclinical phases and we hope that it can soon be tested in humans,” explained Malchiodi, highlighting the relevance of CRUZIVAX in the global arena.
Meet Emilio Malchiodi: The Science Wizard from Villa Constitución!
Ah, the sweet taste of science! And when it’s seasoned with a dash of Argentine charm, it becomes irresistible. So, gather around, folks, because today we’re diving into the remarkable world of Emilio Malchiodi—72 years young and strutting his stuff with the flair of a rock star in the lab coat!
From Villa Constitución to Global Recognition
Borne in the illustrious Rosario but raised in the vibrant Villa Constitución, Malchiodi has become the toast of scientific circles both at home and abroad. He’s a man who wears many hats: a full professor of Immunology, a director at prominent research institutes, and a beacon of hope for anyone suffering from Chagas disease. Talk about multitasking! If only being a parent and a professional was this easy, right?
Our story begins way back, in primary school where he hung out with the coolest kids and was taught by memorable teachers like Gladys Longhi. “The Commercial School was just full of unforgettable lessons! I mean, come on, who could forget math when you had a teacher like that?” he fondly recalls in a recent interview. Isn’t it heartwarming when an academic remembers their roots? It’s like finding out your grumpy uncle was once a disco dancing champion—unexpected but delightful!
Resume That Could Make Stephen Hawking Jealous
Now, let’s lay down the stats: Malchiodi isn’t just a bench warmer in the scientific game. He’s at the helm of some slick international projects, with CRUZIVAX being the crown jewel of his career. Awarded the César Milstein Prize for Research in Biotechnology with an Impact on Health, he’s been spinning his scientific web with over €8.4 million in funding (I mean, can I get a grant like that for my kitchen experiments?).
He’s got a doctorate and more postdoctoral accolades than I have pairs of socks, alongside directing numerous pioneering research projects. Imagine being so esteemed that when they hand you an award, you can hear a “Wow!” whispering in the crowd. That’s Malchiodi for you!
The Chagas Crusade: A Shot at Redemption
Speaking of high stakes, let’s talk about CRUZIVAX. No, it’s not the name of a new superhero movie; it’s Malchiodi’s ambitious project aimed at conquering Chagas disease. This affliction isn’t a mere inconvenience; it’s a global menace impacting millions! And yet, he’s rolling up his sleeves working with ten European groups to tackle a problem as complex as trying to microwave tea without it exploding. You got to admire that spirit!
“Chagas is a global health problem due to migration,” he points out, reminding us that this isn’t just some niche issue; it’s as widespread as misinformation on social media! The project fights off parasites that have the audacity to be similar to our cells. Imagine trying to create an anti-zombie vaccine that goes against your relatives—darkly amusing, isn’t it?
Villa Constitución: The Heart Strings of Malchiodi
But wait, let’s not forget the emotional side of this scientific saga. Malchiodi is not just an academic genius; he’s a proud son of Villa Constitución, a place that shaped him into the person he is today. He carries the sentiment of his roots like a badge of honor. I mean, you can take the boy out of Villa, but you can’t take Villa out of the boy, right?
“I have enormous affection for the city and the people,” he says. The affection is mutual, as his accomplishments shine a light on the quality of public education in Argentina. Seriously, doesn’t it feel good to soak in some homegrown success? Like biting into a juicy steak from your favorite diner!
Legacy of Grit and Gumption
Through thick and thin, from economic hardships to political mazes, Malchiodi has danced around challenges like a seasoned tango dancer, always returning home. “Returning always allowed me to strengthen ties,” he reflects; and honestly, isn’t that what life is about? Strong ties, good friends, and steady research funding.
To echo the greats of science and education, Emilio Malchiodi serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, resilience, and a bit of whimsy, we can change the landscape of medicine and education. A true hero in the lab and beyond!
In Summary
So there you have it—a peek into the life of Emilio Malchiodi, a scientific maverick, a proud Argentine, and an eternal advocate for education and health. With CRUZIVAX on the horizon, there’s no stopping this whirlwind of research. Here’s hoping for a world where Chagas is as obsolete as dial-up internet, and where more kids grow up dreaming of following in Malchiodi’s illustrious footsteps!
How does Emilio Malchiodi’s upbringing in Villa Constitución influence his perspective on education and community support?
T above all, amid his scientific triumphs, Malchiodi remains deeply anchored in his roots. Villa Constitución holds a special place in his heart, a city he fondly acknowledges as crucial to shaping his identity and career. **“I have enormous affection for the city and the people,”** he shares, highlighting the importance of his childhood memories and connections. His friends and family still residing there are a constant reminder of the support system that nurtured him from a young age.
Despite his impressive accolades and global recognition, Malchiodi attributes much of his success to the education he received in Villa Constitución. **“The training I received in Villa Constitución, both in primary and secondary school, was key,”** he affirms, echoing a sentiment that resonates with many who have benefited from public schooling systems. He views education as a powerful force capable of transcending borders and transforming lives.
A Legacy of Resilience
The journey of Emilio Malchiodi is not just one of personal accolades but also a testament to resilience and commitment. His career has been punctuated by economic and political challenges that prompted him to temporarily leave Argentina; however, his heart never strayed far from home. **“In every crisis I left, but it was never my intention to stay outside,”** he reflects, showing a deep-rooted sense of duty to his homeland. Each return to Argentina not only reinforced his ties but also allowed him to initiate projects that could benefit his country, such as the ambitious Chagas vaccine initiative.
His story serves as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the significant impact that tenacity and a strong educational foundation can have on one’s ability to contribute to science and society. As the scientific community continues to navigate the complexities of global health challenges, Emilio Malchiodi stands as a prime example of how dedication, hard work, and a commitment to one’s roots can lead to groundbreaking advancements that benefit humanity.
Looking Ahead
As Malchiodi and his team at CRUZIVAX push forward with their endeavors, the hope for a vaccine against Chagas disease casts a bright ray of optimism. His work encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and innovation, proving that with the right mindset and support, even the most formidable challenges can be met with determination and success.
So, let’s raise a toast to Emilio Malchiodi—a true scientist, a proud bearer of Villa Constitución’s legacy, and a wizard in the world of immunology! We can all learn a little something from his journey, especially the importance of staying connected to our roots and lifting others as we climb. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll find ourselves celebrating a grand health breakthrough—thanks to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and passion for making a difference!