Professor Vito Martella is a distinguished scholar and leading expert in veterinary virology, currently serving as Full Professor of Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals at the University of Bari Aldo Moro. Born in Turin on April 30, 1970, he graduated with highest honors in Veterinary Medicine from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Bari. His academic career began in 2000 when he secured a position as a university researcher in the VET/05 disciplinary sector, subsequently advancing to full professorship based on his exceptional research contributions and academic excellence. Martella has also held significant institutional roles, including membership on the Superior Council of Health where he was recently reconfirmed for his expertise in animal and public health matters.
Martella's groundbreaking research focuses on enteric viral infections in both animals and humans, with particular emphasis on caliciviruses and zoonotic disease transmission. His scholarly impact is evidenced by an impressive H-index of 86 and over 31,000 citations, ranking him among the top veterinary scientists in Italy and globally. His work on molecular characterization of viral strains, particularly noroviruses in companion animals, has provided critical insights into cross-species transmission mechanisms and viral evolution. These contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of viral pathogenesis and informed surveillance strategies for emerging infectious diseases at the animal-human interface.
As an active member of the International Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, the ICTV Calicivirus Study Group, and the Rotavirus Classification Working Group, Martella plays a pivotal role in shaping international research agendas in veterinary virology. At the University of Bari, he teaches advanced courses on foodborne zoonoses within the School of Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Police, and Prophylaxis, training the next generation of veterinary professionals. His continued leadership in the Superior Council of Health demonstrates his recognized expertise in national health policy development, particularly regarding zoonotic disease control. Martella remains at the forefront of research on viral emergence and transmission dynamics, with ongoing work that promises to further enhance our capacity to prevent and manage infectious disease threats across species boundaries.
