Research
NATIONAL AWARDS & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Romanian Academy Awards
1990 – “Victor Babeș” Award – for experimental studies of the cellular and molecular events initiating atherosclerosis (Anca Sima).
1991 – “Emil Racoviță” Award – (Nicolae Simionescu, Maya Simionescu, Felicia Antohe, Ludy Dobrila, Nicolae Ghinea, Mirela Hasu, Constantina Heltianu, Victor Jinga, Ileana Manduteanu, Violeta Partenie, Gabriel Popescu, Doina Popov, Eliza Vasile).
1998 – “Nicolae Simionescu” Award – (Monica Raicu).
2008 – “Nicolae Simionescu” Award – A body of work on the alteration of vascular reactivity in diabetes and the possibilities for its restoration under the action of pharmacological agents (2005–2008). Author: Adriana Georgescu.
2010 – “Nicolae Simionescu” Award – A set of seven studies explaining the effects of oxidative stress on blood vessels at the cellular and molecular levels. Author: Adrian Manea.
2012 – “Nicolae Simionescu” Award – A series of studies identifying the beneficial effects of a combinatorial therapy using two stem cell populations; the data have potential applications in ischemic myocardium regeneration (translational medicine). Author: Alexandrina Burlacu.
2013 – “Nicolae Simionescu” Award – A series of ten papers published between 2010 and 2013 on the topic of inflammation in atherosclerosis and diabetes; the use of targeted nanotherapies. Authors: Elena Butoi (Dragomir), Manuela Călin.
2014 – Academic Merit Diploma, awarded by the Romanian Academy to the “N. Simionescu” Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology on the occasion of its 35th anniversary, in recognition of outstanding scientific contributions in the field of cellular biology and pathology.
2015 – “Nicolae Simionescu” Award – For pioneering studies published between 2007 and 2015 in prestigious international journals, in the field of translational medicine, addressing lipid metabolism dysfunctions and epigenetic mechanisms associated with atherosclerosis and diabetes. Authors: Dr. Camelia Stancu, Dr. Loredan Niculescu, “Nicolae Simionescu” Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, and Prof. Doina Ruxandra Dimulescu, Elias University Emergency Hospital.
2022 – “Nicolae Simionescu” Award – A suite of 24 scientific papers (2009–2022) on the role and involvement of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular pathology. Authors: Nicoleta Alexandru Moise, Alina Constantin, Andreea-Miruna Nemecz.
National and International Awards
1978 - The “Louis and Arthur Lucian International Award” for Research in Circulatory Diseases, McGillUniversity, Montreal, Canada. Authors: Maya and Nicolae Simionescu
1986 - The Rockitansky Medal of International Academy of Pathology, Vienna, Austria. Author: Nicolae Simionescu
1987 - Medal of the Institute of Clinical Electron Microscopy, Bologna, Italy. Authors: Maya and Nicolae Simionescu
1990-1991 - “Ludwig Schaefer” Distinguished Professor, Columbia University, USA. Authors: Maya and Nicolae Simionescu
1990 - “Borum” Professor of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Award of the 3rd European Research Conference on Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular. Authors: Maya and Nicolae Simionescu
1994 - Romanian Society for Cell Biology „Constantin Velican” Award. Author: Anca Sima
1994 - Maria Calb - Romanian Academy “Daniel Danielopolu” Prize. Author:Cristina Lupu
1995 - Romanian Society for Cell Biology “Constantin Velican” Award. Author:Anca Dobrian
1995 - Romanian Society for Cell Biology “Constantin Velican” Award. Author: Daniela Tarziu
1995 - Falcon Prize for Cell Cultures. Authors:Monica Raicu, Ileana Manduteanu
1998 - Disease, Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands. Author:Adriana Georgescu
1998 - Sanofi Thrombosis Prize for Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis Research, for clinical and laboratory research on atherothrombosis and thrombogenesis. Authors: Maya Simionescu, Anca Sima, Camelia Stancu, Monica Raicu
1999 - Romanian Society for Cell Biology “Constantin Velican" Award. Author:Doina Popov
1999 - Romanian Society for Cell Biology Award “Maya and Nicolae Simionescu” for research on cellular and molecular biology and pathology. Author:Anca Sima
2000 - Award “Serviciul credincios” - Great Crosse, of the Romanian Presidency. Author:Maya Simionescu
2000 - Romanian Society for Cell Biology “Constantin Velican”. Author: Elena Constantinescu
2000 - The first prize offered by “Healthy Nutrition Foundation” with the paper: AGE dependent accumulation of advanced glycation end products is accelerated in combined hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia, a process attenuated by L-arginine”, published in Journal of the American Aging Association, vol. 23, 33- 40. Author:Adriana Georgescu
2001 - UNESCO – “L’Oreal” Special Honor Award for Women in Science. Author:Maya Simionescu
2001 - Award “Rio Branco – Comendador”, of the Brasilian Presidency. Author: Maya Simionescu
2001 - EURESCO Prize of the EURESCO Conferences, Membrane Dynamics in Endocytosis-Molecular Regulation, Tomar, Portugal. Author:Felicia Antohe
2002 - BIO-RAD LaboratoriesPrize for valuable research.for the poster:A proteomic approach to identify antigens from normal and activated endothelial cells, presented at the International Workshop on “Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Hyperlipidemia and Diabetes”. Authors:Radulescu Luminita, Manduteanu Ileana, Antohe Felicia
2002 - Excellence Diplomaof the Ministry of Education and Research, bestowed to the Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “N. Simionescu” at the exhibition “Conceived in Romania” for the paper “Efectul inducerii simultane a hiperlipemiei si diabetului asupra modificarilor morfopatologice si functionale ale organelor tinta afectate in hipertensiune”. Authors: Popov Doina, Costache Gabriela, Georgescu Adriana, Simionescu Maya
2002 - Agora DiabetologicaPrize, of the XXVII National Congress for Diabet Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, for the study “Aspirin reduces the expression of cell adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial cells exposed to high glucose concentration”. Authors:Dragomir Elena, Manduteanu Ileana, Voinea Manuela, Simionescu Maya
2002 - Agora DiabetologicaPrize of the Romanian Society for Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Berlin-Chemie, Menarini Group and Eli Lilly “Agora Diabetologica” Award. Author:Alina Carale
2002 - Nature Publishing Group Ist Prize of the European Life Scientist Organization, Nice. Autor:Manuela Voinea
2002 - European Life Scientist Organization Award, Nice, France. Author:Adriana Georgescu
2002 - Healthy Feeding Foundation “Young Investigator” Award. Author:Adriana Georgescu, Alina Carale
2003 - Agora DiabetologicaPrize of the Romanian Society for Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases.Author:Alexandra Dobrin
2003 - Excellence Prizeof the Romanian Society of Cell Biology, for results obtained in animal biology for the study “Investigation of the interaction between anti-VCAM-1 coupled liposomes and activated endothelial cells. Author:Manuela Voinea
2003 - “Ion Pavel”Prize of the RomanianAcademy of Medical Sciences and of the Romanian Society for Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases at the Congres of the Romanian Society for Diabet, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases. Author:Alexandrina Burlacu
2003 - Images in Cellular – Molecular Medicine Award of the Cellular and Molecular Medicine Foundation and of the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Author:Anca Sima
2003 - Functional Genomics and Disease Congress, “Student Award”, Czech Republic. Author:Simona Balan, Alexandra Dobrin
2004 - Award “Cultural Merit”Officer Degree, of the Romanian Presidency, granted to the Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “N. Simionescu” at the 25th Anniversary. Author:Maya Simionescu
2004 - Excellence Diploma of the Ministry of Education and Research, “Conceived in Romania” CONRO 2004. “Ion Moraru”Prize for Fundamental Immunology granted for the paper: “Imunodetectia caveolinei-1 in fractii membranare pulmonare in soareci cu diabet si hiperlipidemie”, at the 34th National Conference of Immunology.Authors: Puchianu Elena, Radulescu Luminita, Popov Doina, Antohe Felicia
2004 - Ministry of Education and Research Prize for FP6 projects. Author: Simionescu Maya, Felicia Antohe
2004 - Ministry of Education and Research Prize for the book “Cellular Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis and Diabetes-Reports from Bench to Bedside”. Author:Simionescu M., Sima A., Popov D
2006 - Ministry of Education and Research Prize for The Sixth Framework Program of the European Community. Specific Support Action, INCO project. Author:Simionescu Maya
2007 - National Science and Art Foundation’s Excellence Award. Author:Anca Gafencu
2007– Project Coordinator - CNCSIS Prize for the results obtained in the frame of the grant “Regulation of apolipoprotein gene clusters- an innovative therapeutic approach of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases” Project category: ”Young researchers -Excellent Projects”. Author:Anca Gafencu
2008 - “Steaua Romaniei” in Great Officer Degree of the Romanian Presidency. Author:Maya Simionescu
2008 - Romanian Society for Cell Biology “Constantin Velican”. Award, for studies on Atherosclerosis. Author:Adrian Manea
2008 - “George E. Palade”Award of the National Art and Science Foundation for remarkable contribution in the field of cellular biology and pathology. Author:Adrian Manea
2008 - The best scientific paper of the National Congress of Internal Medicine, Romanian Society of Internal Medicine. Authors:Madalina Cojocaru, Felicia Antohe
2008 - “First prize” at the National Symposia VI ASAN-CEEX, for the study “The expression and function of MCP-1 and fractalkine in smooth muscle cells exposed to high glucose concentrations”. Author:Elena Dragomir
2010 - Award “Constantin Velican” for remarkable contributions in the field of the molecular and cellular pathology of the cardiovascular diseases, at XXVIII Annual Congress of Romanian Society of Cellular Biology, Constanta, Romania, June 9-12. Author:Adriana Georgescu
2011 – UNESCO–L’Oréal Fellowship “For Women in Science”. Author: Elena Butoi
2013 – Academician Maya Simionescu received the highest civil and military distinction of France: Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.
2014 – First Prize at the INNOVATION AWARDS 2014 Competition, granted by SC 3M Romania SRL, for the project “Collagen Nerve Conduits and the Method for Their Production”. National patent application registered with OSIM under no. A1336 of December 7, 2011. Authors: M.G. Albu, I. Lascar, D.G. Zamfirescu, M. Simionescu, I. Zegrea, I.D. Titorencu, M. Popescu, G. Bumbeneci.
2015 – Certificate of Excellence at the 9th Annual Congress of the Romanian Medical Association, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, held April 16–18, 2015, for the poster entitled “Effects of 17-beta Estradiol on Cardiac Regeneration Observed in a Co-culture System of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly and Cardiac Ventricular Sections”. Volume LXII, Supplement 1, p. 46. Authors: Maria Cristina Corotchi, Mirel Adrian Popa, Maya Simionescu.
2018 – UNESCO–L’Oréal Fellowship “For Women in Science”. Author: Monica Tucureanu
2019 – “Acad. Nicolae Cajal” Award for achievements in fundamental research. Author: Ileana Mănduțeanu.
2020 – Gold Medal – “Vertical (Electro)magnetic Separator of Isomagnetic Nanoparticles”; A 01055 / 05.12.2018. International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations “InventCor”, Deva, 1st edition, December 17–19, 2020. Authors: Denisa Ficai, Ioana Lavinia Ardelean, Cornelia Ioana Ilie, Manuela Călin, Elena-Valeria Fuior, Adrian Fifere, Mariana Pinteala, Gheorghe Constantin Fundeanu, Anton Ficai, Maya Simionescu, Ecaterina Andronescu.
2020 – Certificate of Honor – “Hydrogel Based on Exopolysaccharides Biosynthesized by Lactic Acid Bacteria Strain”. XXIVth International Exhibition of Inventions, INVENTICA Iași, July 29–31, 2020. Authors: Ciolacu D., Petrovici A.R., Mihăilă A.C., Butoi E.
2021 – Silver Medal – “Vertical (Electro)magnetic Separator of Isomagnetic Nanoparticles”; A 01055 / 05.12.2018. 14th International Invention and Innovation Show, INTARG 2021, June 15–16, 2021, online edition. Authors: Denisa Ficai, Ioana Lavinia Ardelean, Cornelia Ioana Ilie, Manuela Călin, Elena-Valeria Fuior, Adrian Fifere, Mariana Pinteala, Gheorghe Constantin Fundeanu, Anton Ficai, Maya Simionescu, Ecaterina Andronescu.
2021 – Gold Medal – “Vertical (Electro)magnetic Separator of Isomagnetic Nanoparticles”; A 01055 / 05.12.2018. 6th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada – ICan 2021, August 28, Toronto, Canada. Authors: Denisa Ficai, Ioana Lavinia Ardelean, Cornelia Ioana Ilie, Manuela Călin, Elena-Valeria Fuior, Adrian Fifere, Mariana Pinteala, Gheorghe Constantin Fundeanu, Anton Ficai, Maya Simionescu, Ecaterina Andronescu.
2021 – Gold Medal – “Intelligent Nanoparticle Systems for Cellular Internalization”, International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations “Traian Vuia”, October 12–14, 2021, Timișoara, Romania. Authors: C. Movileanu, D. Ficai, A. Ficai, M. Călin, M. Anghelache, A. Gafencu, G. Fundueanu-Constantin, M. Pinteala, M. Simionescu, E. Andronescu.
2021 – Gold Medal – “Intelligent Nanoparticle Systems for Cellular Internalization”, International Exhibition of Scientific Research, Innovation and Invention “PRO INVENT” – 19th Edition, October 20–22, 2021, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Authors: C. Movileanu, D. Ficai, A. Ficai, M. Călin, M. Anghelache, A. Gafencu, G. Fundueanu-Constantin, M. Pinteala, M. Simionescu, E. Andronescu.
2021 – Gold Medal – Inventions, Plant Varieties, Industrial Design: “Intelligent Nanoparticle Systems for Cellular Internalization”, International Specialized Exhibition “INFOINVENT2021” – 17th Edition, November 17–20, 2021, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. Authors: C. Movileanu, D. Ficai, A. Ficai, M. Călin, M. Anghelache, A. Gafencu, G. Fundueanu-Constantin, M. Pinteala, M. Simionescu, E. Andronescu.
2022 – UNESCO–L’Oréal Fellowship “For Women in Science”. Author: Raluca Țuțuianu.
2022 – “Maya and Nicolae Simionescu” Fellowship, ICB–Cluj Napoca. Author: Toma Vlad.
2023 – Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award for the postdoctoral project “Control of Cardiac Fibrosis via Type 2 FGF Receptors Found in Cardiac Fibroblasts”, Fulbright Program, USA. Author: Mirel Adrian Popa
2023 – “Maya and Nicolae Simionescu” Fellowship, IBPC–NS. Author: Mirel Popa.
2023 – Silver Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations “Traian Vuia”, Timișoara, Romania, May 15–17, 2023, “Optimization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Interaction with Innovative Biomimetic Structures for Tissue Engineering Applications”. Authors: Alina Vlădescu, Anca C. Parau, Irina Titorencu, Vasile Pruna, Cosmin M. Cotruț, Diana M. Vranceanu.
2023 – Gold Medal at the International Exhibition INVENTCOR, 4th Edition, Deva, Romania, September 14–16, 2023, “Optimization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Interaction with Innovative Biomimetic Structures for Tissue Engineering Applications”, Project No. 621PED/2022 (Registration Code: PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4275). Authors: Alina Vlădescu, Anca C. Parau, Irina Titorencu, Vasile Pruna, Cosmin M. Cotruț, Diana M. Vranceanu.
2023 – “ICECHIM Award” at the International Exhibition INVENTCOR, 4th Edition, Deva, Romania, September 14–16, 2023, “Optimization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Interaction with Innovative Biomimetic Structures for Tissue Engineering Applications”, Project No. 621PED/2022 (Registration Code: PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-4275). Authors: Alina Vlădescu, Anca C. Parau, Irina Titorencu, Vasile Pruna, Cosmin M. Cotruț, Diana M. Vranceanu.
2023 – Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award for the postdoctoral project “Control of Cardiac Fibrosis via Type 2 FGF Receptors Found in Cardiac Fibroblasts”, Fulbright Program, USA. Author: Mirel Adrian Popa.
2024 – Gold Medal and Special Award offered by Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu for Patent Application No. A/00760/28.11.2023 at the 10th Edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations “Traian Vuia”, June 13–15, 2024, Timișoara, Romania. Authors: D.M. Vranceanu, I.D. Titorencu, A. Vlădescu (Dragomir), E. Ungureanu, V. Pruna, A.C. Parau, C.M. Cotruț.
2025 – “Sustainable Hydrogels – Process and Compositions”, XXIX International Exhibition of Inventions, INVENTICA Iași, GOLD MEDAL. Authors: D.E. Ciolacu, A.R. Petrovici, G. Cazacu, A.C. Mihăilă, E. Butoi.
2025 – “Maya and Nicolae Simionescu” Fellowship, IBPC–NS. Author: Mihaela Turtoi.
2025 – UNESCO–L’Oréal Fellowship “For Women in Science”. Author: Teodora Bărbălăta.
2025 – UNESCO–L’Oréal Fellowship “For Women in Science”. Author: Mădălina Ghetu.