Next-Generation Pathogen Genomics: The Long-Read Advantage

We’re excited to invite you to a new session focused on how long‑read sequencing is transforming pathogen detection and characterization.

You’ll hear from two leading researchers:

• Daniel Golparian (WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs)

Sharing how automated target enrichment and culture‑independent sequencing using SureSelect and the Magnis NGS System can streamline pathogen genomics.

• Stefano D’Anna (University of Rome Tor Vergata), with Lorenzo Piermatteo

Presenting new insights into HBV‑DNA integration revealed by long‑read sequencing and its role in sustaining HDV infection.

Key learning objectives:

• Understand Advances in Culture Independent Sequencing Explore the Power of Long Read Sequencing in Pathogen Research
• See How Automation and Enrichment Technologies Improve Sequencing Workflows 
• Connect Genomic Findings to Public Health Impact
• Keep up with fast‑moving advances in pathogen genomics and hybrid‑capture technology.
• Take home practical methods you can apply across diverse pathogen types and sample complexities.
• Learn from real case studies showing how modern sequencing reveals biological insights that matter.

Presenter: Daniel Golparian (Scientific Officer, Örebro Univerity Hospital)

Daniel Golparian is a Scientific Officer at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs in Örebro, Sweden, where he works with genomic surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, and whole-genome sequencing of sexually transmitted pathogens. His work spans both wet-lab and bioinformatics, with a focus on translating sequencing methods into robust workflows for clinical and public health use.

Presenter: Stefano D'Anna (Post-doctoral fellow, University of Rome Torvergata)

He graduated in 2020 in Medical Biotechnologies at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, with a thesis in Molecular Biology. In the same year, he began his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the same university, working in the Virology Laboratory under the supervision of Prof. Svicher. He obtained his PhD title in 2024 and subsequently continued as a postdoctoral researcher in the same laboratory.

During his PhD and postdoctoral training, he participated in several research projects as well as in national and international conferences, where he was admitted for oral presentations. His research has primarily focused on hepatitis B and delta viruses.

His main areas of expertise include the molecular characterisation of viral hepatitis at both intrahepatic and serological levels, the identification of novel biomarkers associated with disease progression and response to antiviral treatments, and the genetic analysis of viruses for epidemiological and research purposes. To support his work, he employs advanced and ultrasensitive laboratory technologies and collaborates with different companies to develop and optimise laboratory protocols.

Presenter: Lorenzo Piermatteo (Post-doctoral fellow, University of Rome Torvergata)

He is a virologist at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where he conducts research within the Virology Laboratory. He holds a Master’s Degree in Health and Nutrition Biology from the University of L’Aquila and a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where he investigated the biological and clinical relevance of innovative biomarkers in hepatitis B virus infection.

His research focuses on hepatitis B and delta viruses, with particular interest in the molecular mechanisms driving infection, disease progression, and treatment response. He specialises in the characterisation of intrahepatic and serological viral biomarkers and in the development of advanced diagnostic approaches to support clinical decision‑making. His work integrates ultrasensitive molecular technologies and benefits from collaborations with academic and industrial partners aimed at optimising innovative laboratory protocols and improving the management of chronic viral hepatitis.