Dr. Alekos Simoni is a molecular biologist specialising in gene drive and mosquito research. He is currently serving as technical support specialist for Target Malaria..
After completing a degree in molecular biology at the University of Padua in Italy and a PhD at Queen Mary University of London, Alekos joined the Crisanti lab as a Research Associate at Imperial College London in 2011, working on new strategies for controlling the malaria mosquito vector.
From 2019 to 2023, Alekos was scientific manager of the Polo d’Innovazione Genomica, Genetica e Biologia (Polo GGB), in Terni, Italy, a Target Malaria partner laboratory that plays a central role in evaluating the efficacy and safety of the gene drives for mosquito population control.
Since 2023 Alekos is supporting the research translation from lab to field for Target Malaria. His roles include technical mentorship, support in the design of laboratory studies and insectary operations, development of technical material for scientific, regulatory, communication activities and overall technical support.
Recent media coverage:
- BBC News, ‘Why is this African village letting mosquitoes in?‘
- The Economist, ‘The promise and peril of gene drives‘
