Prof. Boualem Sendid | Mycology | Best Paper Award

Professor | University of Lille | France

Professor Boualem Sendid is a distinguished French scientist specializing in medical mycology and parasitology, with an illustrious career spanning more than 25 years. He currently serves as Full Professor at the University of Lille, where he also heads the Parasitology–Mycology Department and the Clinical Microbiology Institute at Lille University Hospital. As team leader of Inserm U1285/CNRS UMR 8576, his pioneering research focuses on fungal pathogenesis, glycobiology, and their clinical applications. Professor Sendid is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work on Candida infections, Crohn’s disease, and the role of fungal-host interactions in inflammatory conditions. He has authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to book chapters, and co-holds several patents. A dedicated educator and mentor, he has trained numerous postgraduate and doctoral students in medical microbiology. Beyond his academic achievements, he actively contributes to national and international scientific societies, shaping policies and advancing clinical diagnostics for invasive fungal diseases.

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Education

Professor Boualem Sendid has pursued a comprehensive academic path dedicated to medical biology, microbiology, and mycology. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree, accredited by the French Council of Pharmacists, establishing his professional foundation in biological sciences. He specialized in Medical Biology and Clinical Biology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lille, solidifying his expertise in laboratory medicine. His postgraduate studies further strengthened his focus on infectious diseases. He obtained a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Lille, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Medical Mycology from the renowned Pasteur Institute in Paris. Professor Sendid achieved his PhD in Mycology-Parasitology from the University of Lille, which marked the beginning of his independent research career.  He received the prestigious Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR), accrediting him as a research director and cementing his role as an academic leader.

Experience

Professor Boualem Sendid has accumulated extensive professional experience through progressive leadership roles in clinical, academic, and research institutions. He has served as Professor of Parasitology–Mycology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, shaping the next generation of specialists in infectious diseases. He was appointed Head of the Clinical Microbiology Institute at Lille University Hospital, where he oversees diagnostic services and research integration. Parallel to his hospital duties, he leads Inserm U1285/CNRS UMR 8576, directing the research team on “Glycobiology in Fungal Pathogenesis & Clinical Applications.” Previously, he was a hospital practitioner in the University Hospital of Lille, providing expertise in clinical microbiology and laboratory diagnostics. His career demonstrates a strong balance between patient care, research innovation, and education. He has collaborated with industrial partners such as Bio-Rad and Bruker, contributing to the development of diagnostic tools and improving clinical outcomes worldwide.

Professional Development 

Throughout his career, Professor Boualem Sendid has consistently advanced his professional development by combining academic research, clinical practice, and leadership responsibilities. His early training in pharmacy, medical biology, and mycology provided him with a strong multidisciplinary foundation, which he later expanded through continuous engagement in translational research. By obtaining his HDR, he established himself as a qualified research director, enabling him to mentor doctoral students and lead major scientific programs. His involvement in Inserm and CNRS units reflects his commitment to high-level biomedical research, while his hospital leadership roles highlight his ability to bridge laboratory science with clinical applications. Professor Sendid has also pursued professional growth through international collaborations and industrial partnerships, facilitating the development of innovative fungal diagnostics. His active participation in editorial boards, scientific societies, and government advisory panels further demonstrates his ongoing engagement in professional service, knowledge dissemination, and healthcare policy development.

Skills & Expertise 

Professor Boualem Sendid possesses a unique combination of scientific, clinical, and leadership skills that position him as a leading authority in medical mycology and parasitology. His expertise lies primarily in fungal pathogenesis, glycobiology, and host-pathogen interactions, with a particular focus on Candida infections and their link to inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease. He is highly skilled in diagnostic microbiology, antibody-based biomarker discovery, and the development of advanced laboratory methods for fungal detection. His leadership as head of multiple university and hospital departments reflects his organizational and management strengths. In addition, he is proficient in grant acquisition, having secured numerous European, national, and regional research contracts. As an educator, he is skilled in mentoring students and training health professionals, ensuring knowledge transfer across academic levels. His expertise extends to scientific writing and peer review, demonstrated by his editorial contributions and extensive publication record in high-impact medical journals.

Research Interest

Professor Boualem Sendid’s research centers on the complex interactions between fungi and their human hosts, with a special emphasis on Candida albicans and related fungal pathogens. His work integrates glycobiology, immunology, and clinical microbiology to unravel mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis and immune recognition. A hallmark of his research has been the identification of anti-yeast mannosides antibodies (ASCA) and their association with Crohn’s disease, which provided groundbreaking insights into the link between fungal carriage and intestinal inflammation. He has extended this line of investigation to explore how fungal dysbiosis contributes to inflammatory bowel diseases and invasive infections. His current projects focus on fungal-host regulation, gut mycobiota characterization, and the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers. In collaboration with industrial partners, he has advanced translational applications that improve clinical detection and patient management. His research continues to shape global understanding of fungal diseases, offering innovative solutions for diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.

Awards and Recognition

Professor Boualem Sendid has received significant recognition for his contributions to medical mycology and clinical microbiology. His expertise and leadership have earned him prestigious academic titles, including Full Professorship at the University of Lille and leadership of Inserm U1285/CNRS UMR 8576. His scientific impact is demonstrated through more than 180 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 49, and several patents, reflecting international acknowledgment of his research excellence. He has been entrusted with prominent roles such as Deputy President for Research within the French Society for Medical Mycology, membership in the National Universities Council, and associate editorship for the Journal of Medical Mycology. His selection as a reviewer for high-impact journals, including Clinical Infectious Diseases and Gut, further illustrates his standing in the scientific community. He has also played key roles in organizing national microbiology and infectious disease conferences, highlighting his recognition as both a thought leader and scientific ambassador.

Publications

Conclusion

Given his scientific leadership, groundbreaking contributions to fungal immunology and diagnostics, and extensive publication record, Professor Boualem Sendid is highly suitable for the Best Paper Award. His career reflects excellence in innovation, knowledge translation, and scientific impact, making him a strong and deserving candidate.