Dr Zhi Ruan

Dr Zhi Ruan

Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China

Dr. Zhi Ruan is a principal investigator in the field of microbial genomics and bioinformatics at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China. He has been awarded the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Zhejiang Province. Dr. Ruan's research revolves around the study of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, including notorious culprits such as Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Salmonella. By employing genome sequencing, phylogenetics, spatiotemporal analysis, and epidemiology, his team delves into the evolution and transmission of these pathogens, with a particular emphasis on hospital-associated and foodborne infections.

One pressing concern that drives Dr. Ruan's work is the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. His group utilizes genomic epidemiology strategies to unravel the evolutionary history and global dissemination of multidrug-resistant pathogens. By studying the mechanisms behind antimicrobial resistance, they strive to develop new bioinformatics tools for prospective surveillance and tracking of bacterial pathogens of public health and medical significance. His research findings have been published in renowned scientific journals, including The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Nucleic Acids Research, and Drug Resistance Updates.

Furthermore, Dr. Ruan's innovative spirit led him to develop a revolutionary bacterial whole genome sequencing and source tracking database called BacWGSTdb. This comprehensive platform provides a one-stop solution for epidemiological outbreak analysis, allowing for the swift identification and tracking of bacterial pathogens. BacWGSTdb has pioneered the movement of whole genome sequencing from proof-of-concept studies to routine use in clinical microbiology laboratories. This breakthrough has transformed the way researchers and clinicians approach the analysis and management of infectious diseases, enabling more effective surveillance and control measures.

Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Ruan's expertise is sought after by scientific journals, where he serves as an associate editor for prominent publications such as Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, BMC Genomics, New Microbes and New Infections, Frontiers in Microbiology, Frontiers in Genetics, Scientific Reports, and PLoS ONE. Through his editorial roles, he actively contributes to the rigorous evaluation and dissemination of impactful research, cementing his position in the field of microbial genomics and bioinformatics.

Dr. Ruan's commitment to advancing the understanding of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance is paving the way for innovative approaches to tackle these urgent global challenges. With his expertise and passion, he continues to contribute significantly to the field of microbial genomics and bioinformatics, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community.

Updated 12 April 2024