Patrick Rinke serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University, Finland. His research bridges theoretical physics, materials science, and computational methodologies with a strong focus on machine learning applications. His computational work spans electronic structure theory, materials design, and atmospheric chemistry. Rinke's research integrates Bayesian optimization, active learning, and high-throughput computational screening to accelerate materials discovery, particularly in hybrid perovskites, catalysts, and biomaterials. Recent work demonstrates machine learning's transformative potential in predicting molecular properties, optimizing materials functionality, and solving complex physical chemistry problems. His scientific contributions have been recognized with multiple awards: Thesis Prize from the Institute of Physics (2003) DFG Research Scholarship (2007-2009) Outstanding Postdoctoral Achievement Award (2009) Outstanding Referee of Physical Review Letters (2014) August-Wilhelm Scheer Visiting Professorship (2017)
Weiping Tang is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, holding the Janis Apinis Professorship in the School of Pharmacy and the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship. He also serves as Director of the Medicinal Chemistry Center at the School of Pharmacy and maintains a faculty appointment with the Department of Chemistry in the College of Letters and Science. Janis Apinis Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor Director of Medicinal Chemistry Center Faculty Appointment with Department of Chemistry Dr. Tang received his B.S. in Chemistry from Peking University in 1997, M.S. in Chemistry from New York University in 1999, Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Stanford University in 2005, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery at Harvard University in 2007. Dr. Tang's research program focuses on drug discovery for cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders through three interconnected areas: Organic Synthesis (advancing glycoscience through novel carbohydrate synthesis technologies), Medicinal Chemistry (developing small molecules that selectively remove disease-associated proteins), and Chemical Biology (dissecting biological pathways using novel small molecule probes). His group operates as an interdisciplinary team where chemists and biologists collaborate closely on drug discovery projects, with particular emphasis on developing novel degraders for disease-causing proteins. Analysis of Dr. Tang's publication record reveals a significant shift toward targeted protein degradation technologies, particularly PROTACs and molecular glues, while maintaining strong foundations in carbohydrate chemistry. His most impactful recent work includes developing degraders for extracellular and membrane proteins (previously considered 'undruggable'), creating rapid synthesis platforms like Rapid-TAC and Rapid-Glue, and advancing understanding of ternary complex formation for novel PROTAC design. His research spans both chemical methodology development and therapeutic applications across multiple disease areas. Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship Janis Apinis Professorship Numerous high-impact publications in leading chemistry and pharmacology journals Editor's pick and hot paper designations for significant contributions Dr. Tang mentors a diverse team of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff scientists with expertise spanning synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, computational chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology. His group has developed innovative platforms for the rapid synthesis of protein degraders and has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of action for these novel therapeutics. Current research includes developing selective degraders for cancer targets like RIPK1, BRD4, and CARM1, as well as advancing delivery systems for clinical translation. The Tang Research Group maintains state-of-the-art facilities within the School of Pharmacy at UW-Madison, equipped for comprehensive chemical synthesis, compound characterization, and biological evaluation. The group actively collaborates with researchers across campus and with industry partners to advance discoveries toward clinical applications, with particular focus on cancer therapeutics and protein degradation technologies.
Dr. Samir H. Mushrif is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta . Prior to this role, he served as faculty at the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore . He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McGill University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Delaware, USA . Education : PhD (Chemical Engineering, McGill University), Postdoc (University of Delaware) His research focuses on computational catalysis , molecular modeling , and reaction engineering for biomass conversion and CO2 reduction . He develops novel catalysts, solvents, and reactor systems using integrated quantum mechanical and classical molecular simulations , synergized with experimental data to enable sustainable energy and chemical production . Recent publications highlight trends in condensed phase chemistry for biomass reactions, machine learning applications in solvent configuration prediction, and mechanistic studies of lignin-carbohydrate complex deconstruction. His work bridges methane activation on metal oxides, hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil compounds, and polymerization pathways in lignin structures. Scientific Awards include: NSERC Doctoral and Post-doctoral Fellowships Discovery International Award 2017 (Australian Research Council) NANYANG EDUCATION AWARD 2016 (Singapore) SCBE Teaching Excellence Awards (Silver 2015, Gold 2016) Bharat Gaurav (Pride of India) Award 2014 Dr. Mushrif's NSERC Discovery Grant (2018), CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund Grant (2022), and AcRF Tier-2 Grant (Singapore, 2015) have advanced his work. Current PhD and Master's students include José Carlos Velasco Calderón , Arul Mozhi Devan Padmanathan , and Sagar Bathla , among others. The CARES Lab (Catalysis Research for Sustainability) under his leadership combines ab initio molecular dynamics , machine learning potentials , and Density Functional Theory to design materials for renewable energy . Collaborations span institutions in France , Canada , India , and the UK .
Lars Eriksson is a researcher at the Department of Chemistry, Stockholm University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. He is part of Gunnar Svensson's group, which focuses on solid-state inorganic chemistry, including the synthesis of energy-related compounds and their crystal structure analysis. Research interests span inorganic chemistry, solid-state chemistry, crystallography, energy applications, organic synthesis, catalysis, and chemical education. His work bridges experimental and computational approaches, with recent publications exploring molecular design for energy storage, asymmetric synthesis, triplet-to-singlet energy transfer, and pedagogical strategies in chemistry education. Trends in his research highlight applications in materials science, environmental chemistry, and educational methodologies. While no formal scientific awards are mentioned in the provided texts, his contributions include collaborative studies on catalysis, molecular structure, and student learning processes. He has no listed grants or students, but his publications emphasize tutor-student interactions and practical epistemology analysis. The research group he belongs to investigates fundamental properties of synthesized compounds, often with energy-related applications, and maintains strong ties to the broader chemistry community through peer-reviewed publications and educational studies.
Joel Weadge is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Wilfrid Laurier University , Waterloo, Ontario. His research focuses on bacterial biofilms, glycobiology, and protein structure-function relationships. Contact: jweadge@wlu.ca , Office: BA425 (Bricker Academic). Education: PhD in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2006) BSc (Hons) in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2000) Research Interests center on bacterial biofilms as virulence factors in pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella . Key areas include: Structural and functional characterization of biofilm proteins (cellulose, curli fimbriae) Enzymology of carbohydrate modifications (acetylation, phosphoethanolamine transfer) Developing therapeutics targeting biofilm synthesis Biopolymer applications for medical/industrial use Publications highlight studies on Pseudomonas and Salmonella biofilm mechanisms, glycosyltransferases, and carbohydrate-active enzymes, with methodologies spanning X-ray crystallography to high-throughput biofilm profiling. Labs and Teams: The Weadge Lab investigates biofilm roles in food/water security and oral health, utilizing enzymology, mass spectrometry, and structural biology. Current members include graduate students, technicians, and research assistants.
Ferhan Çeçen is a Professor at the Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Istanbul, where she has maintained an active research and teaching role since 1999. Her career spans over three decades of contributions to environmental engineering with particular emphasis on advanced water treatment technologies and pollutant behavior in biological systems. Her academic foundation includes: B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Bogazici University (1984) M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (1993) Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (1990) Her research program centers on Water and Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Biotechnology, Adsorption Processes, and the Effects of Hazardous Substances on Biological Treatment. She has pioneered investigations into extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) dynamics, nanomaterial impacts on microbial communities, and the integration of adsorption with biological treatment for micropollutant removal. Her work bridges fundamental microbiological mechanisms with practical engineering applications for sustainable water resource management. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on pharmaceutical biodegradation mechanisms, nanosilver toxicity in activated sludge systems, and granular activated carbon applications for emerging contaminants. Her research demonstrates sophisticated integration of experimental biodegradation studies with predictive modeling frameworks, particularly BIOWIN models, to address complex challenges in modern wastewater treatment. She has secured significant research funding through Bogazici University's Scientific Research Projects Fund (BAP) and TÜBİTAK, directing projects including "Removal of Micropollutants From Drinking Water by Granular Activated Carbon" (2019-present), "Effect of nanosilver on biological treatment systems" (2015-2016), and "Microbial products and metal inhibition in biological systems" (2012-2015), demonstrating sustained leadership in addressing critical water quality challenges.
Kathrin Lang is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, and Head of the Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Her research focuses on chemical biology, particularly the development of tools for genetic code expansion to incorporate non-canonical amino acids into proteins and advance bioorthogonal chemistries for studying biological processes. Keywords: Genetic Code Expansion, Bioorthogonal Chemistry, Protein Engineering, Ubiquitylation Networks, Post-Translational Modifications. Lang’s work emphasizes proximity-triggered crosslinking reactions, bioorthogonal labeling, and in vivo chemistries to address challenges in protein interaction mapping and structural elucidation. Her group’s recent publications highlight methodologies for dual protein labeling, deciphering ubiquitin code, and enhancing cycloaddition reactivity. Current projects include exploring cyclopropene-fused dibenzocyclooctynes for improved labeling and investigating methylated lysine as a conformational regulator in Hsp90. Funding sources include the ERC (Ubl-tool), DFG (SFB1035, SPP1926), and ETH Zurich. She contributes to education through courses like Genetic Code Expansion for Studying Posttranslational Modifications and Chemical Biology and Synthetic Biochemistry . Collaborative efforts span structural biology, microbiology, and synthetic biochemistry, with applications in ubiquitin research and cellular imaging.
Dr. Xi Chen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. His research spans carbohydrate chemistry, glycobiology, and cancer biology, with notable contributions to chemoenzymatic methods for glycoconjugate synthesis. Dr. Chen's work focuses on developing hybrid chemical-enzymatic approaches to synthesize complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates, characterizing glycosyltransferase mechanisms, and designing enzyme mutants for improved catalysis. He also investigates carbohydrate-based diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly in cancer and inflammatory diseases. His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary studies linking carbohydrate metabolism to p53 tumor suppression pathways and RNA-binding protein regulation in cancer. Awards include AAAS Fellow (2015), ACS Isbell Award (2012), and NSF CAREER Award (2006). He earned his Ph.D. at Wayne State University (2000) and B.S. at Xiamen University (1994). Scientific Awards American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2015) Dean's Team Award for Excellence (2013) Carbohydrate Research Award for Creativity (2013) ACS CARB Horace S. Isbell Award (2012)
Jørgen Arendt Jensen is a Professor of Biomedical Signal Processing at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), with dual affiliations in the Department of Health Technology and the Department of Electrical Engineering (DTU Elektro). He leads the Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging (CFU), a collaborative initiative involving DTU, BK Medical, Rigshospitalet, and DTU Nanotech. His research focuses on advanced medical ultrasound technologies, including synthetic aperture imaging, vector flow imaging, and ultrasound simulation, aiming to improve clinical image acquisition efficiency and accuracy. He teaches medical imaging courses and co-initiated the joint biomedical engineering program between DTU and the University of Copenhagen. Jensen’s work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. His research interests span algorithm development for fast ultrasound imaging, blood velocity characterization, and simulation of ultrasound systems. He supervises multiple PhD students and collaborates on projects involving transducer design, real-time imaging systems, and microvascular pathology analysis. Recent publications emphasize advancements in super-resolution ultrasound imaging, transducer optimization, and pressure gradient estimation. His lab, CFU, develops cutting-edge imaging solutions for clinical applications. Jensen’s contributions include patents on ultrasound imaging techniques and collaborative ventures to enhance diagnostic capabilities through interdisciplinary engineering.
Scott Garman is Professor of Biochemistry at UMass Amherst, focusing on structural biology of glycoproteins in human diseases. PhD from Harvard University. Research areas: Lysosomal enzyme mechanisms in storage diseases (Fabry, Schindler); Malaria surface protein structures; Antibody-receptor interactions. Utilizes X-ray crystallography to study enzyme mutations causing disease. Key findings: Determined structures of α-galactosidase (Fabry disease) and α-NAGAL (Schindler disease), revealing molecular bases for enzyme dysfunction. Developed models for enzyme trafficking and substrate processing. Laboratory: Investigates protein folding diseases and develops therapeutic strategies. Collaborates on malaria vaccine development and antibody engineering.
Seth Herzon is the Milton Harris '29 Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry at Yale University, with joint appointments in the Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Radiology at the Yale School of Medicine. He is also a Member of the Yale Cancer Center and co-founder of Modifi Biosciences, which was acquired by Merck in Fall 2024. Herzon joined Yale in 2008 after completing his PhD at Harvard University and an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on organic synthesis with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of action of DNA-damaging compounds, particularly anticancer and microbiome-derived natural products. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding colibactin, a gut microbiome metabolite that induces colorectal cancer, and has developed novel chemotherapies targeting DNA repair defects in tumors. His work spans synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, and translational medicine, with projects ranging from total synthesis of complex natural products to developing antibacterial agents. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward microbiome-cancer interactions, particularly focusing on colibactin's role in carcinogenesis, alongside continued innovation in synthetic methodology and therapeutic development for drug-resistant cancers. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with clinical applications, particularly in cancer therapeutics. Among his numerous accolades are the NSF CAREER Award, Searle Scholar Award, Packard Fellowship, Sloan Fellowship, Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, and the 2024 Yale Cancer Center Class of '61 Cancer Research Award. He served as Associate Editor for The Journal of Organic Chemistry from 2018-2023 and was a member of the United States Defense Science Study Group from 2018-2019. Herzon has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His laboratory at Yale continues to be at the forefront of chemical research with significant translational impact, particularly in cancer drug discovery. The lab maintains active collaborations with researchers across Yale, including in pharmacology, radiobiology, and cancer biology.
Professor Roland J. Pieters is a distinguished academic at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, where he serves as a full Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. With over two decades of experience at the institution, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (1998) to Associate Professor (2005) and ultimately to Full Professor (2010-present). His research group is internationally recognized for groundbreaking work at the intersection of carbohydrate chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery, with particular emphasis on developing novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial infections and pathogenic mechanisms. Full Professor, Utrecht University (2010-present) Associate Professor, Utrecht University (2005-2010) Assistant Professor, Utrecht University (1998-2005) NWO Talent Post-doctoral Fellow, ETH-Zürich (1995-1996) Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Groningen (1996-1998) Professor Pieters earned his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Groningen in 1990, where he worked with Professor Ben Feringa, and completed his Ph.D. at MIT in 1995 under the supervision of Professor Julius Rebek Jr. His doctoral research focused on molecular recognition and template effects in bisubstrate systems, establishing the foundation for his lifelong interest in molecular interactions. Professor Pieters' research primarily centers on glycodrugs and the strategic interference with protein-carbohydrate interactions using multivalent systems of varying architectures. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how rigid spacers in multivalent ligands can dramatically enhance binding affinity to target proteins, with applications against viral and bacterial adhesion proteins, toxins, galectins, and glycosidases. A particular focus has been on developing inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecA, cholera toxin, influenza virus hemagglutinin, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with host cell receptors. His group also pioneered the use of glyco- and peptide-microarrays for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions and drug discovery, particularly in the area of O-GlcNAcylation research. The publication record of Professor Pieters demonstrates consistent innovation in the field of multivalent carbohydrate-based therapeutics. His recent work (2020-2024) shows a strategic expansion into viral pathogenesis (particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2), immune modulation through glycan recognition, and novel approaches to vaccine development. A notable trend is the increasing sophistication of multivalent architectures, moving from simple divalent systems to tetra- and hexavalent ligands with precisely engineered spatial arrangements. His research bridges fundamental chemical principles with practical therapeutic applications, maintaining strong connections to pharmaceutical development while advancing basic science understanding of carbohydrate-mediated biological processes. Professor Pieters' scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including a Fellowship from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in 1999 and a VICI personal grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in 2008. These competitive awards reflect the significance and innovation of his research program. He has also served on editorial advisory boards, notably as Section Editor-in-Chief for Chemical Biology in the journal Molecules (2018-2022), contributing to the scholarly community through peer review and academic leadership. Fellowship of Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), 1999 VICI, personal grant, NWO, 2008 Section Editor-in-Chief Chemical Biology for Molecules (2018-2022) Throughout his career, Professor Pieters has coordinated significant research projects including the EU project POLYCARB and secured competitive funding that has sustained his innovative research program. His laboratory has fostered numerous collaborations across Europe and internationally, creating a vibrant research environment that has trained many scientists now working in academia and industry. His research on multivalent carbohydrate systems represents a sustained intellectual contribution to chemical biology with direct relevance to developing new anti-infective strategies and therapeutic approaches. Professor Pieters leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, situated in the David de Wied Building. His laboratory maintains strong connections with other research groups both within Utrecht University and internationally, particularly in the fields of glycobiology, infectious diseases, and drug discovery. The research environment he has cultivated emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining synthetic chemistry, biophysical analysis, and biological testing to address fundamental questions in carbohydrate-mediated biological processes with therapeutic applications.
Mark Nitz is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on bio-organic chemistry and chemical biology, with specialties in Mass Cytometry reagent development, bacterial glycobiology (particularly poly-N-acetylglucosamine), and the creation of novel bioorthogonal reactions. Research Interests: Mass Cytometry: Developing heavy-atom probes (e.g., tellurium) for high-parameter biological analysis in vivo. Bacterial Glycobiology: Investigating polysaccharide synthesis (PNAG) in bacteria, developing inhibitors through in vitro enzyme studies and bacterial system validations. Novel Reactions: Exploring hydrazine/hydroxylamine chemistry with carbohydrates and aqueous tellurophene reactions for bioorthogonal applications. Recent Work: His lab published a breakthrough in 2024 detailing the OSTAC reaction, enabling selective protein labeling in complex systems. This integrates seamlessly with existing techniques like SPAAC and CuAAC. Advising: Dr. Nitz has guided PhD students Jamie Bu, Nicole Potter, and Stephanie Sebastiampillai. His team actively collaborates on structural biology projects, including co-crystal structure determinations. Labs/Teams: The Nitz Lab, located in the Lash Miller Chemical Laboratories (St. George Campus), emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to chemical biology challenges, blending synthetic chemistry with biological applications.
Jens Øllgaard Duus is a Professor and Vice Dean at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), with dual roles in the Office for Study Programmes and Student Affairs and the Center for Teaching and Learning in Engineering Education. His primary academic affiliation is with the Department of Chemistry at DTU, where he conducts advanced research in NMR spectroscopy and structural analysis of complex organic molecules. His research focuses on the development and application of analytical methods for carbohydrates, natural products, and peptides, with applications in food and pharmaceutical sciences. Key areas include glycosylation, enzyme mechanisms, and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in life sciences and analytical chemistry. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in glycoscience, particularly in enzyme-catalyzed glycosylation, structural analysis of polysaccharides, and engineering of glycosyltransferases and glycosidases for synthetic applications. His work bridges chemistry, biotechnology, and medicine. Jens Øllgaard Duus actively supervises multiple PhD students across interdisciplinary projects, including work on drug delivery to the CNS, nucleic acid analogues, and AI in education. He is involved in both fundamental and applied research, contributing to sustainable chemistry and biotechnology. Structural elucidation of novel pro-inflammatory polysaccharides from Daphne mezereum L. (2024) Denmark as the Energy Island Pioneer (2023) Promiscuous Yet Specific: A Methionine-Aromatic Interaction in Glycosyltransferase (2023) Engineered Hexosaminidase as a Glycoligase (2023) Family 1 Glycosyltransferase from Zea mays (2022) He has supervised PhD projects on generative AI in education, nucleic acid analogues, CNS drug delivery, and asymmetric catalysis. His leadership in educational innovation and research supervision underscores his dual impact on science and pedagogy. He is affiliated with research groups in chemistry and biotechnology at DTU, contributing to a collaborative network focused on sustainable science and engineering education. His work integrates analytical chemistry with biological applications, forming a unique interdisciplinary fingerprint.
Dr. Martin Anthony Fascione is a Reader in Chemistry at the University of York, where he leads the Fascione Lab within the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on the interface between chemistry and biology, particularly in the field of chemical glycobiology. He has established himself as a leading researcher in carbohydrate chemistry with expertise in synthetic methods and biological applications. Dr. Fascione received his Ph.D. from the University of Leeds in 2009 under the supervision of W. Bruce Turnbull, followed by a Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship at the University of British Columbia with Prof. Steve Withers and the University of York with Prof. Gideon Davies. Since August 2014, he has been at the York Structural Biology Laboratory, progressing from Lecturer to his current position as Reader. His research centers on complex sugars (glycans) and their roles in biological processes and disease, with particular emphasis on sialic acid-like molecules critical for bacterial pathogens. The Fascione group develops chemical tools to study and perturb glycan activity in vivo using synthetic and enzymatic carbohydrate chemistry, organocatalysis, enzymology, and molecular biology. Key research areas include pseudaminic acid biosynthesis, protein bioconjugation, and glycoconjugate development for therapeutic applications. Analysis of Dr. Fascione's recent publications reveals a strong focus on bacterial glycans, particularly pseudaminic acid, and their role in pathogenesis. His work combines synthetic chemistry with biological applications, developing novel methods for protein modification, carbohydrate synthesis, and glycan-based therapeutics. Major themes include bioorthogonal chemistry, enzymatic synthesis of complex carbohydrates, and the development of glycoconjugates for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Dr. Fascione has received significant recognition for his work, including: Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship (2012-2014) ERC Consolidator Grant (2022) As an active researcher, Dr. Fascione supervises PhD students and collaborates extensively with researchers in the UK and internationally. His laboratory is involved in multiple research projects focused on chemical glycobiology for infectious disease research and therapeutic development. The Fascione Lab has established itself as a leading center for research at the chemistry-biology interface, with particular expertise in carbohydrate-active enzymes and glycan-based tools for biological investigation.
