Dr. Leonie van Steijn is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University , specializing in Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics. Her research focuses on computational modeling of cell motility and navigation, particularly how cells process environmental cues to influence their movement. She contributes to teaching in the Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences Bachelor program, emphasizing computational skills, programming, and statistical modeling. Education : PhD in Mathematical Institute, Leiden University (2016–2021). Research Interests : Van Steijn investigates the interplay between cell deformability, environmental microstructures, and motility patterns. Her work extends to modeling leukocyte migration during wound healing and genome-scale metabolic networks in zebrafish. Key methodologies include Python-based simulations and dynamic modeling of biological systems. Publications : Her recent studies explore topotaxis in dense microenvironments, adhesion dynamics in motility modes, and mathematical foundations of biological networks. These span interdisciplinary fields from immunology to theoretical mathematics. Skills : Expertise in Python programming, computational modeling, and development of biological simulation frameworks.
Aleksandra Arning is a researcher and teacher at Utrecht University's Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics within the Biodynamics and Biocomplexity group. Research Focus: Biodynamics, Biocomplexity, Cell Biology, Neurobiology, Biophysics
Olga Shishkina is a Professor and Group Leader of the "Theory of Turbulent Convection" at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), Göttingen, Germany . She holds habilitations in Fluid Mechanics (TU Ilmenau, 2009) and Mathematics (Georg August University, Göttingen, 2014). Her career includes roles as a Senior Lecturer, Researcher at DLR, and DFG Heisenberg Fellow. Research Interests: Focus on turbulent thermal convection, including natural/forced/mixed convection, coherent structures, boundary layers, and numerical simulations. Applications span oceanic circulation, nanofluid heat transfer, solar convection, and low-gravity convection. She investigates rotation effects, non-Boussinesq dynamics, and fluid property variations. Awards: APS Fluid Dynamics Fellow (2020), EUROMECH Fellow (2022) Editorial Roles: Associate Editor of the Journal of Fluid Mechanics (since 2022) Professional Affiliations: Member of the Graduate School Physics of Biological and Complex Systems (IMPRS) at Göttingen.
Madhav Marathe is a tenured Professor of Computer Science and the Distinguished Professor in Biocomplexity at the University of Virginia, where he also serves as Executive Director of the Biocomplexity Institute. He has held leadership roles at Virginia Tech and Los Alamos National Laboratory, and his work is deeply rooted in transdisciplinary team science. His research spans a wide range of domains including network science, artificial intelligence, computational epidemiology, high-performance computing, and complex systems. He develops foundational methods to model, analyze, and control large-scale biological, information, social, and technical (BIST) systems. His work integrates theoretical computer science with practical applications in public health, disaster response, and infrastructure resilience. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward data-driven modeling of societal challenges—especially in pandemic response, forced migration, and energy systems. His team leverages agent-based simulations, machine learning, and high-performance computing to create scalable, policy-relevant models that support real-world decision-making. Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Fellow, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Distinguished Researcher Award, University of Virginia (2023) Honorary Doctoral Degree, Chalmers University (2023) Best Paper Award, SIGKDD 2021 (Applied Data Science) Endowed Distinguished Professor of Biocomplexity (2019) Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research, Virginia Tech (2018) Constellation Group’s Supernova Award (2016) Dr. Marathe has mentored over 30 doctoral students, 20+ MS students, and 15 postdoctoral fellows, and has led major federally funded projects including those related to computational epidemiology and national security. His lab, the Biocomplexity Institute, develops high-performance computing services and data analytics platforms for policymakers and emergency planners. He is also involved in initiatives such as the National Security Data and Policy Institute and the Expeditions in Global Pervasive Computational Epidemiology.
Laura Bergamaschi is a PhD Fellow at the Niels Bohr Institute , University of Copenhagen, affiliated with the Biocomplexity and Biophysics group. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of complex systems and biological physics, leveraging computational approaches to analyze biocomplexity. Email: laura.bergamaschi@nbi.ku.dk Phone: +4535322371 Location: Blegdamsvej 17, 2100 København Ø
Weria Pezeshkian is an Assistant Professor in the Biocomplexity research group at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. With expertise spanning computational biophysics and membrane dynamics, Dr. Pezeshkian leads research that bridges physics, biology, and computational science to address fundamental questions in cellular mechanics. Dr. Pezeshkian's research focuses on: Computational modeling of cellular membranes and their dynamic properties Molecular dynamics simulations of protein-lipid interactions Membrane mechanics and curvature generation mechanisms Plasma membrane repair processes Development of computational methodologies for multiscale biological modeling Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on membrane biophysics, particularly in understanding how proteins interact with and shape cellular membranes. The research combines advanced computational techniques with experimental data to model complex cellular processes across multiple scales. Key contributions include elucidating mechanisms of membrane repair, protein-induced membrane curvature, and innovative simulation methodologies like FreeDTS and TS2CG. Scientific recognition includes: MGMS Frank Blaney Award (2024) Dr. Pezeshkian maintains an extensive collaborative network across institutions and disciplines, focusing on integrative approaches to complex biological questions. The research has significant implications for understanding fundamental cellular processes and potential applications in disease mechanisms related to membrane dysfunction.
Rutger Hermsen is an Assistant Professor in the Science Biology faculty at Utrecht University , leading the Hermsen lab under the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics group and the Institute for Biodynamics & Biocomplexity. His work focuses on mathematical and computational models of biological systems, particularly bacterial physiology and evolutionary biology. Email : r.hermsen@uu.nl Contact : Hugo R. Kruytgebouw, Padualaan 8, Kamer N602, 3584 CH Utrecht Research Interests span evolutionary theory, population dynamics, gene regulation, and bacterial physiology. He develops models to study eco-evolutionary interactions, such as antibiotic resistance development, and applies multiscale frameworks to analyze selection pressures in spatially structured populations. His work bridges theoretical biology with bioinformatics and computational methods. Publications highlight his expertise in analyzing spatial selection mechanisms (2024), cellular regulatory networks (2023), and evolutionary transitions (2022). These studies integrate mathematical models with experimental data to address fundamental biological questions. Supervision includes Bryan Verhoef, whose NWO-funded PhD project explores antibiotic resistance modeling, and Charlotte de Vries, a senior postdoc studying aging's role in evolutionary transitions. Collaborations extend to the Tans group at AMOLF for bacterial growth experiments. Laboratory combines computational approaches with interdisciplinary research, focusing on bacterial homeostasis, multilevel selection, and eco-evolutionary demography. The lab contributes to understanding cellular regulatory mechanisms and evolutionary processes through innovative theoretical frameworks.
Prof. Tuncay Baubec is a Professor and Chair of Genome Biology & Epigenetics at the Department of Biology, Utrecht University. He holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Vienna and has held academic positions at the University of Zurich and the Friedrich Miescher Institute. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin dynamics, and gene regulation, with a particular emphasis on DNA methylation and histone modifications. Education: PhD in Genetics (2009, University of Vienna), MSc in Molecular Medicine (2004–2009), BSc in Biology (2000–2003). Research interests include understanding how chromatin modifiers and DNA methylation regulate gene expression in development and disease. Key areas: epigenetic bistability at imprinting control regions, engineering CRISPR-based tools for gene silencing, and studying the impact of DNA damage on genome stability. His work has led to over 40 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact studies in Nature Genetics , Nature Biotechnology , and Molecular Cell . Recent findings explore histone mark interactions, DNA repair mechanisms, and the role of SETD2 in cell size regulation. Awards: NWO VICI Grant (2023), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), EMBO Young Investigator (2019). Baubec leads the Baubec Lab, which investigates epigenetic networks in health and disease, collaborating with institutions worldwide. Current projects include developing novel epigenome-editing tools and studying epigenetic drivers of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Pere Colet Rafecas is an Associate Professor at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) and a Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) since 2007. His work spans statistical and nonlinear physics , with applications to optical systems , power grid stability , and human mobility analysis . He leads the Complex Systems and Sociotechnical Applications (CSSA) research group. PhD in Physics (UIB, 1991) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Georgia Tech (Fulbright, 1992-1994) His research focuses on noise-sustained structures , synchronization of chaotic systems , and delay effects in optoelectronic devices . Recent work integrates geolocated data to model socio-technical systems , including renewable energy grids and urban mobility. Key projects include: APASOS : Physics of socio-technical systems MdM-IFISC : Excellence grant for complex systems research SIESTA : Secure data analytics in European energy grids He has supervised four completed PhD theses and currently mentors two PhD candidates , with publications in Nature Communications , Physical Review Letters , and IEEE Transactions . His work has accumulated over 5,600 Google Scholar citations and a h-index of 35 .
Dr. Xue Bao is a Researcher and Teacher at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University , specializing in Genome Biology and Epigenetics. She is based at the Hugo R. Kruyt Building in Utrecht and holds a PhD from Utrecht University obtained in 2018. Research Interests: Her research spans molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, with a strong focus on lipid metabolism, membrane biology, and epigenetics . Early work centered on lipid acyl chain remodeling and phosphatidylcholine deficiency in yeast, while recent publications extend into chromatin regulation and neuronal differentiation. Her expertise bridges yeast genetics and mammalian epigenetic mechanisms. Publication Trends: Her work over the past decade shows a clear trajectory from fundamental yeast lipid biology to complex epigenetic regulation in higher systems. She frequently publishes in high-impact journals such as Nature Genetics , EMBO Journal , and iScience , often collaborating with leading groups in epigenetics. Her research combines biochemical, genetic, and molecular approaches to understand membrane and chromatin dynamics. Roles and Affiliations: Position: Researcher and Teacher Institution: Utrecht University Faculty: Faculty of Science Department: Biology Research Group: Genome Biology and Epigenetics ORCID: 0000-0002-5129-0728 Advising and Grants: While no specific students or grant funding are mentioned in the provided texts, her role as a teacher and active researcher suggests involvement in mentoring and research supervision. Her consistent publication record indicates sustained research activity, likely supported by institutional or external funding. Laboratories and Teams: Dr. Bao is part of the Genome Biology and Epigenetics research group within the Biodynamics and Biocomplexity division at Utrecht University. She collaborates extensively with researchers such as Prof. Tuncay Baubec and Prof. Toon de Kroon, indicating integration into collaborative research teams focused on epigenetics and membrane biology, respectively.
Dr. J. (Jan) Bogerd is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, where he has been a key member of the Reproductive Biology Group since 1993. His research is centered in the field of Developmental Biology, with strong affiliations to the Biodynamics and Biocomplexity research area and the PtS – Future Food Utrecht initiative. His primary research interests include Endocrinology, Spermatogenesis, Testicular Stem Cells, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry of G Protein-Coupled Receptors, and the Relaxin Peptide Family and their Receptors . His work primarily uses zebrafish and other fish models to investigate the molecular and hormonal regulation of reproductive processes, particularly spermatogenesis and puberty. His extensive publication record, with over 145 research outputs, demonstrates a sustained focus on gonadotropin signaling, steroidogenesis, and the interplay between endocrine and paracrine factors in testicular function. Recent articles highlight ongoing work on Fsh, Igf, Wnt, and prostaglandin signaling in zebrafish spermatogenesis, as well as studies on puberty and gene expression in Atlantic salmon. His research often involves collaboration with prominent scientists like R. W. Schulz. PhD: Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam (1988–1992); Thesis: 'Alternative splicing generates neuropeptide diversity in Lymnaea stagnalis' Post-doctoral Fellow: Utrecht University (1992–1993) Dr. Bogerd has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. He has supervised various research activities and has been involved in numerous collaborative projects, though specific details on grants and advisees are not listed. His work is fundamental to understanding the basic mechanisms of reproduction in fish, with potential implications for aquaculture and biomedical research.
Aaron Schroeder is a Research Associate Professor at the Biocomplexity Institute of the University of Virginia, specializing in Evidence-Based Policy-Making and Program Evaluation through Secure Liberation, Integration, and Analysis of Administrative Data. He possesses extensive expertise in information/data integration technologies, policy development, quantitative/qualitative evaluation methodologies, and data-driven public service enhancement. Education: Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration, Virginia Tech University M.P.A. in Public Administration, James Madison University B.A. in Psychology, University of Delaware His research centers on integrating education, health, social service, and non-profit administrative data streams to conduct policy analyses for diverse populations including pre-K children, students, workforce trainees, and veterans. Key methodologies include Record Linkage/Entity Resolution, Privacy Law Implementation, Network Analysis, and Big Data applications within Policy Analytics frameworks, emphasizing practical solutions for cross-agency data challenges in public sector contexts. Scientific Awards: (2013) Winner, Cross-Boundary Collaboration on IT Initiatives, Government Technology's annual Commonwealth of Virginia’s Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS 2013). Awarded for the creation of the Virginia Longitudinal Data System (VLDS), a multi-agency data integration system for Virginia. (2010) Invited participant to the Virginia Governor's Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) on Cross-Agency Data Integration. (2009) Invited expert on methods of public-sector data integration and issues created by federal and state privacy laws for a workshop on Research Use of State Longitudinal Data Systems sponsored by the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS), the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). (1999) Nominated by the Association of State Governments for Award in Innovation in State Government for the design, development, and deployment of Travel Shenandoah, a public-private partnership for Advanced Traveler Information Systems in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. (1999) Appointed Member of the Congressional Commission on I-81 Truck Safety. As Principal Investigator, Schroeder has secured over $10 million in research funding from federal agencies (NSF, HHS, DOE, DOT), Virginia state departments, foundations (Generations United, MET Life), and private sector partners. His major projects include the USED-funded Virginia Statewide Longitudinal Data System, USHHS-funded Project Child HANDS, and USDOT-funded Virginia 511 travel information system. Based at the University of Virginia's Biocomplexity Institute, Schroeder leads interdisciplinary teams developing secure data integration frameworks for policy evaluation, with ongoing collaborations across education, health, veteran services, and transportation sectors to transform administrative data into actionable public service insights.
Cristina Andolina is a full-time Researcher (BIOS-05/A) at the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Palermo. Her research focuses on marine ecosystems, particularly seagrass physiology, microplastic pollution, and environmental impacts of tourism. She conducts fieldwork at volcanic vents and coastal lagoons, utilizing stable isotope analysis and 3D modeling techniques. Her recent publications examine: Interactions between CO2/H2S exposure and seagrass health Microplastic ingestion patterns in Mediterranean fish Carbon stock quantification in blue carbon ecosystems Ecological impacts of invasive species Tourism-driven nutrient input monitoring via macroalgae She teaches Environmental Assessment and Biotic Indexes and contributes to the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project. Office hours are held Wednesdays from 12:00–15:00.
Karel Josef A Proesmans is an Assistant Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute under the University of Copenhagen , affiliated with the Biocomplexity and Biophysics group. He joined in October 2021 after completing his PhD at Hasselt University (Belgium, 2017) and postdoctoral work in Canada and Luxembourg. Research Focus: Thermodynamic constraints on biological processes (DNA replication, motility-induced phase separation) through stochastic thermodynamics and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics . Key Article Trends: Explores entropy production, precision-dissipation trade-offs, and thermodynamic bounds in active matter , flocking dynamics , and discriminatory networks . Collaborations: Works with researchers like É. Fodor, G. Falasco, and J. Berx on topics spanning non-equilibrium systems , stochastic processes , and biological networks .
Professor Alexander van Oudenaarden is a distinguished academic at Utrecht University, where he serves as Professor in the Faculty of Science, specifically within the Developmental Biology department. His research program focuses on cutting-edge approaches in developmental biology, stem cell research, and organoid technology. Dr. van Oudenaarden's research interests span multiple areas of developmental and cellular biology. He is particularly known for his work on stem cell systems, organoid development, and spatial transcriptomics. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding embryonic development through stem cell models, cancer therapy applications using organoids, and sex-specific gene expression patterns. His approach often combines quantitative methods with biological systems to uncover fundamental principles of development and disease. His publication record demonstrates significant impact, with multiple high-profile papers in journals such as Nature, Cell, and Nature Genetics. His 2018 paper on blastocyst-like structures generated from stem cells has been particularly influential, garnering over 386 citations and receiving attention from 35 news outlets. The research has implications for understanding early embryonic development and potential regenerative medicine applications. LifeTime and improving European healthcare through cell-based interceptive medicine (2020) - Highly cited review with over 121 citations Blastocyst-like structures generated solely from stem cells (2018) - Landmark paper with 386 citations Oral mucosal organoids as a potential platform for personalized cancer therapy (2019) - Significant contribution to cancer research with 294 citations Professor van Oudenaarden leads a research group focused on developmental dynamics and biocomplexity. His team employs advanced techniques including single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and organoid culture systems to address fundamental questions in developmental biology and their applications to human health. The group has established collaborations across Europe and maintains strong ties with clinical researchers to translate basic findings into potential therapeutic approaches.
