Find Academic Supervisors

Mike O. KarlView profile

Professor

• Retinal Degeneration
• Stem Cell Organoids
• Neuroregeneration
• +4 more

Prof. Mike O. Karl leads the MOKALAB at TU Dresden's Center for Regenerative Therapies (CRTD) and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE). He holds a professorship in Retinal Stem Cell Research and Neurogenesis at the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine. His research deciphers mechanisms of retinal degeneration and develops regenerative strategies using stem cell organoids and mouse models. Research interests focus on: Overcoming regenerative barriers in mammalian retinas Müller glia reprogramming for neuronal regeneration Human organoid modeling of AMD and inherited dystrophies Neuroprotective mechanisms in degenerative environments Technical expertise includes: Retina organoid development from hiPSCs Advanced imaging and electrophysiology Genetic/toxin-induced degeneration models Honors include: EYEnovative Award (Novartis, 2014 & 2012) ARVO Innovative Ophthalmology Research Award (2009) Linderström-Lang Thesis Award (2006) The lab currently advises 8+ students and postdocs. Major projects investigate glia-vascular interactions in degeneration and organoid-based therapy development.

Tatjana HildebrandtView profile

Professor

• Plant Biochemistry
• Amino Acid Metabolism
• Plant Stress Response
• +5 more

Professor Tatjana Hildebrandt leads the Plant Metabolic Biochemistry Lab at the Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, where she serves as Principal Investigator within the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) and TRR 341 "Plant Ecological Genetics." Her research group investigates plant amino acid metabolism with particular focus on cysteine pathways, mitochondrial function, and metabolic adaptations to environmental stress. Her research program spans four main areas: (1) Amino acid metabolic pathways with emphasis on catabolic processes; (2) Metabolic plasticity during abiotic stress conditions including drought, hypoxia, and energy deficiency; (3) Metabolic interactions between plants and microbes; and (4) Amino acid sensing mechanisms including post-translational modifications like persulfidation. Her group employs biochemical, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches to unravel these complex processes. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on cysteine metabolism, mitochondrial function during germination, and the role of amino acids in stress signaling. Her work bridges fundamental plant biochemistry with potential applications in improving crop resilience. Her research consistently appears in high-impact journals including Plant Physiology, Journal of Experimental Botany, and Trends in Biochemical Sciences. Her laboratory currently includes multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working on projects related to amino acid metabolism in Arabidopsis and Lupinus albus. She actively collaborates with researchers across Europe through CEPLAS and the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS).

Holm ZaehresView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Stem Cell Engineering
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS)
• Neural Differentiation
• +3 more

Holm Zaehres is a Senior Lecturer at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine in Münster, Germany, leading the Stem Cell Engineering Laboratory . His work focuses on reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency using transcription factors like OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4, with significant contributions to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell generation from neural and hematopoietic progenitors. Key Research Areas: Stem cell engineering, iPS cell differentiation, genome editing, and disease modeling (including Frontotemporal Dementia and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy). Publications: Authored 10+ seminal works in Nature , Cell , and Stem Cells , establishing methods for efficient cellular reprogramming and organoid-based disease studies. Collaborations: Partnered with institutions like University of Bonn, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and academic hospitals in neurology and hematology.

• AI-assisted protein design
• Structural biology
• Synthetic biology
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Thomas Schlichthärle is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , holding the Professorship for AI-Guided Protein Design within the TUM School of Natural Sciences and Department of Bioscience . His research bridges machine learning, structural biology, and synthetic biology to develop synthetic proteins that modulate cellular signaling pathways. Education: B.Sc. in Molecular Medicine, University of Tübingen M.Sc. in Molecular Bioengineering, TU Dresden Research at Wyss Institute (Boston) and Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (Munich) Research Focus: AI-assisted protein design for controlling cellular decision-making processes, with applications in biomedicine and synthetic biology. His lab develops novel protein design methods validated in cell-based systems, centered on creating synthetic proteins that can detect, modulate, or reprogram signaling pathways through oligomeric assemblies. Scientific Awards: Wübben Foundation Fellow (2025) EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021) Roland Ernst Scholarship (2014) Germany Scholarship (2013) Ferry Porsche Prize (2007) Collaborations & Grants: Collaborated with Prof. David Baker's lab at the University of Washington and participated in high-impact interdisciplinary projects involving DNA-PAINT microscopy and quantitative protein imaging. His work has been supported by competitive fellowships and institutional grants.

Ruth ForemanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cell Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Ruth Foreman, MD, PhD is an Assistant Pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital's Dermatopathology Service and an Instructor at Harvard Medical School. She specializes in dermatopathology and has been recognized for her contributions to stem cell research and molecular biology. Education: MD and PhD from Harvard Medical School Certifications: Board-certified in Dermatopathology and Anatomic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology Training: Residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital and fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital Her research focuses on somatic cell reprogramming, pluripotency, and the role of signaling pathways like Wnt in regenerative medicine. She has contributed to groundbreaking work on induced pluripotent stem cells and chemical biology approaches to cellular transformation. Her publications reflect a strong emphasis on stem cell research, including studies on pluripotency markers, chemical reprogramming, and metastable embryonic stem cell states. These works span molecular genetics, developmental biology, and cancer research. Ruth Foreman serves as an instructor at Harvard Medical School, translating her research expertise into medical education. Her clinical work at Massachusetts General Hospital aligns with her academic focus on dermatopathology and oncology.

• Neuroscience
• Microglia Biology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. med. Björn Spittau holds the Professorship for Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Medical Faculty OWL of the University of Bielefeld . He serves as Vice Dean for Research and Career Development and chairs multiple committees including the Research Commission and Library Commission , while being a deputy member in the Habilitation Committee and APL Committee . Research Focus: Microglia biology, TGF-beta signaling, neurodegenerative disease modeling, and deep brain stimulation target regions Teaching: Module responsibilities in 'Brain, Nerves and Psyche I' and 'Scientific Work' courses His recent research explores: Microglial diversity and aging-related brain changes through single-cell analysis Development of tools like the DgeaHeatmap R package for transcriptomic studies Mechanisms of TGF-beta signaling in microglial homeostasis Clinical applications in botulinum toxin treatment for neurological conditions

Viktor MaurerView profile

Researcher

• Nanomedicine
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Biosensors
• +3 more

Dr.-Ing. Viktor Maurer is a researcher at Technische Universität Braunschweig's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, specifically within the Institute for Particle Technology. He leads the Nanomedicine competence team and the spin-off project InCapSolution, focusing on multifunctional drug delivery systems, biosensors, 3D bioprinting, and magnetic particle applications for biotechnology. Current affiliation: TU Braunschweig (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Particle Technology) Research focus: Nanomedicine, Hybrid nanoparticle systems, Targeted drug delivery Key projects: InCapSolution spin-off, Magnetic biosensor development His research spans advanced nanocarrier design and biomedical applications. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in creating multifunctional systems combining magnetic targeting with diagnostic capabilities. His work intersects materials science, bioengineering, and pharmaceutical technology through innovative nanoscale solutions. Scientific publications show a consistent focus on nanoparticle-based biomedical applications from 2014-2023, with increasing specialization in dual-function therapeutic/diagnostic systems. Key collaboration networks include TU Braunschweig faculty members and PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) researchers.

• Chronic Inflammation
• Intercellular Communication
• Systems Biology
• +2 more

Professor Kevin Thurley is a faculty member at the Institute of Experimental Oncology within the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn. His research focuses on chronic inflammation , intercellular communication , and systems biology , with particular emphasis on deciphering the regulatory mechanisms behind immune tolerance and therapeutic interventions. Key Research Goals: Developing an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing cell communication networks and optimizing targeted immunotherapies Methodological Expertise: Mathematical modeling of biological systems, computational analysis of signaling pathways, and experimental validation Research Themes: Thurley’s work systematically investigates how complex cellular interactions drive chronic inflammatory processes. His team specializes in response-time distribution modeling , cytokine signaling networks , and stochastic intracellular signaling analysis. This research has direct implications for autoimmune diseases , cancer immunology , and targeted therapy development . Collaborative Networks: As a member of TRA Life and Health, he collaborates with transdisciplinary teams across medicine, computational sciences, and experimental oncology. His research integrates with broader initiatives like the European Research Council -funded projects and DFG collaborative research centers. Scientific Contributions: Thurley has authored significant publications in Cell Systems , Nature Immunology , and PLoS Biology , including works on actin network assembly in neutrophils , circadian metabolic regulation , and adaptive immune cell communication .

Daniela MeilingerView profile

Lecturer

• Epigenetics
• DNA Methylation
• Chromatin Structure
• +3 more

Dr. Daniela Meilinger is a Lecturer at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München's Department of Human Biology and BioImaging, based at the Biozentrum Martinsried. Her research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation and chromatin structure, with implications for developmental biology and disease. She contributes to the Leonhardt Group, investigating molecular pathways governing gene regulation and cellular differentiation. Her work bridges fundamental epigenetics with clinical insights, such as studying DNMT1 mutations linked to HSANIE and their impact on neuronal development. She explores interactions between DNA methyltransferases and proteins like UHRF1, uncovering how these regulate chromatin states and stem cell behavior. Contact details include her office in room B 03.061 and virtual office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays via the provided Moodle link. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but her publications reflect a sustained contribution to high-impact research in epigenetics since 2007.

• Immunology
• Inflammation Resolution
• Macrophage Biology
• +4 more

Amiram Ariel is an Associate Professor specializing in immunology with a focus on inflammation resolution mechanisms. He serves as Associate Editor for Inflammation at Frontiers in Immunology and Review Editor for Molecular Innate Immunity, demonstrating active scholarly engagement. His research centers on macrophage biology and pro-resolving mediators, investigating their roles in treating inflammatory disorders, fibrosis, cancer metastasis, and diabetic wound healing. Key contributions include elucidating interferon-stimulated neutrophil functions in immunotherapy response and JMJD3/STING pathway interactions in tissue repair. Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal consistent themes: leveraging resolution-phase macrophages against dormant tumor cells, IFN-β-mediated anti-fibrotic effects, and inflammation resolution strategies for COVID-19 pathogenesis. These works bridge molecular immunology with translational applications in oncology and regenerative medicine. No scientific awards are documented in the available materials. While his 53 publications indicate significant scholarly output, details regarding student mentorship, grant funding, or laboratory structure are absent from the provided text. His professional network includes 79 followers and 49 researchers he follows, reflecting active academic collaboration. Dr. Ariel's educational background includes studies at Hebrew University, though specific degrees and years remain unspecified in the source material.

Noelia Alonso GonzalezView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Macrophage Biology
• Inflammation Research
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Noelia Alonso Gonzalez is a Professor at the University of Münster's Faculty of Medicine, where she leads the Alonso Gonzalez Group focused on "Mechanisms of Macrophage Plasticity" at the Institute of Immunology. She joined the university in 2017 as a Researcher and became a Junior Group Leader in 2018 through the Gerty Cori Programme, a career development initiative within the "Cells in Motion" research network designed to promote gender equality in science. Her research investigates how inflammation resolves before becoming chronic or life-threatening, with particular emphasis on macrophages - immune cells that eliminate dead cells and produce tissue-repair molecules. She studies how different macrophage populations recognize and adapt to inflammatory processes across various organs, employing state-of-the-art genomics, imaging approaches, and in vivo disease models. Her work combines transcriptional regulation studies with cellular imaging to understand macrophage-lymphocyte interactions during development and inflammation. Dr. Alonso Gonzalez's publications reveal a consistent focus on macrophage biology, with recent work expanding into neuroimmunology, thrombosis, and infectious disease complications. Her research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between immunology, molecular biology, and tissue-specific inflammatory responses, with particular emphasis on lipid metabolism, transcription factor regulation, and cellular plasticity. Humboldt Research Fellowship recipient (2017) Active participant in the "Cells in Motion" interdisciplinary research center Supervisor in the CiM-IMPRS Graduate Programme Recipient of third-party funding for Collaborative Research Centers As both a scientist and mother of two young children, Dr. Alonso Gonzalez actively engages with university childcare services while advocating for equitable sharing of family responsibilities. She serves as a role model for junior scientists, particularly women, encouraging them to pursue leadership positions in academic research despite societal expectations about gender roles.

Arne HansenView profile

Professor

• Cardiac Tissue Engineering
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
• Cardiac Disease Modeling
• +3 more

Arne Hansen serves as DZHK Professor for cardiac tissue engineering at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf's Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology. His research develops complex human three-dimensional cell culture models to study cardiac disease mechanisms and pharmacological effects using induced pluripotent stem cells. His work focuses on creating predictive human in vitro models through stem cell reprogramming, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, cardiomyocyte differentiation, and tissue engineering. His team develops automated systems measuring action potentials, calcium transients, and contractile force to investigate cardiac gene and drug effects with high standardization. By integrating functional analysis with cellular biology surrogates, his research aims to deepen understanding of cardiac biology and cardiomyopathy mechanisms. Hansen's publications reveal consistent focus on engineered heart tissue models, with recent work emphasizing atrial-specific models, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mechanisms, and metabolic maturation of cardiomyocytes. His research bridges stem cell biology, cardiac physiology, and pharmacological testing. Stipend German Research Foundation (2004-2005) Ursula M. Händel-Tierschutzpreis of German Research Foundation (2011) Forschungspreis für Alternativen zum Tierversuch, Hansestadt Hamburg (2019) Hansen co-founded EHT Technologies GmbH (2015) to translate research into applications. His laboratory develops customized test systems with automated physiological readouts, enabling standardized investigation of cardiac gene and drug effects. Current work focuses on creating physiologically accurate human in vitro models to facilitate biomedical translation.

Wolfgang MarwanView profile

Professor

• Molecular Networks
• Systems Biology
• Cell Differentiation
• +6 more

Prof. Wolfgang Marwan is a Full Professor at the Institute of Biology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. His research focuses on the structure and dynamics of molecular networks in pro- and eukaryotes, with particular expertise in reverse engineering regulatory networks, sensory control of sporulation in Physarum polycephalum , and light-controlled swimming behavior in Halobacterium salinarum . His educational background includes studies in Chemistry and Biology at the University of Erlangen (1979-1984), followed by a Diploma in Biology (1985) and PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry (1985-1989). After postdoctoral work and serving as a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute, he held positions at the University of Freiburg as a Heisenberg Fellow and at the University of Hertfordshire as a Research Professor of Biocomputation before joining Otto von Guericke University in 2005. In 2007, he co-founded the Magdeburg Centre for Systems Biology. Prof. Marwan's research interests center on understanding cellular decision-making processes through systems biology approaches. His work integrates experimental and computational methods to investigate how molecular networks control cell differentiation and reprogramming. He has made significant contributions to the field of Petri net modeling of biological systems, developing frameworks for biomodel engineering and network reconstruction. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on cellular differentiation mechanisms, particularly in Physarum polycephalum , where his team has pioneered methods for single-cell time series analysis to empirically validate the Waddington landscape concept. His scientific contributions include the development of methods for automatic network reconstruction from time-series data and the application of Petri nets to model complex biological processes. His interdisciplinary approach bridges experimental biology with computational modeling to provide quantitative insights into cellular decision-making, with implications for understanding stem cell differentiation and regenerative medicine. Prof. Marwan has led numerous research projects funded by the DFG and EU programs, including studies on cellular reprogramming, pain regulation mechanisms, and signal transduction networks. His laboratory investigates how cells make differentiation decisions, with particular focus on the molecular switches that control commitment points in developmental pathways.

Jürgen RulandView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Cancer Biology
• Cell Signaling
• +3 more

Prof. Jürgen Ruland is a Professor of Clinical Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Medicine and Health. His research focuses on immune system signaling, particularly in cancer and disease pathogenesis. He holds academic roles since 2012 and has led research groups since 2003. Education: M.D. from Giessen and Pittsburgh, postdoctoral studies at TUM (2005). Career highlights include ERC Advanced Grants (2013, 2019) and the Leibniz Prize (2021). Research interests span immune cell signaling, cancer biology, and therapeutic interventions. Awards: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2021), ERC Advanced Grant (2013 & 2019), Paul-Martini-Award (2010), Wilhelm-Warner-Award (2010), and Artur-Pappenheim-Award (2006). Grants and leadership: ERC funding, leadership in junior research groups, and academic roles including membership in the Leopoldina and Bavarian Academy of Sciences. Active in TUM's research institutes and academic governance.

• Stem Cell Metabolism
• Mitochondrial Disorders
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +7 more

Alessandro Prigione is a Professor at the Department of General Pediatrics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, leading the Stem Cell Metabolism research group. His work focuses on bridging human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based neuronal disease modeling with mitochondrial metabolism to address neurodegenerative diseases in children. Key affiliations: University Children’s Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Research Interests: Investigating mitochondrial disorders such as Leigh syndrome and Huntington’s disease in early-onset neurodegeneration. Utilizing patient-derived iPSCs to generate neuronal/glial cells and cerebral organoids for disease-specific modeling. Identifying therapeutic compounds through high-throughput screenings targeting mitochondrial and neuronal function. Integrating CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, mitochondrial assays, and high-content analysis for mechanistic studies. Lab & Collaborations: His lab develops innovative models for mitochondrial diseases, emphasizing metabolic coupling in human neurons and astrocytes. Collaborations include institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin.