Prof. Dr. Thomas Borsch is a renowned academic at the Freie Universität Berlin, serving as Professor of Systematic Botany and Geography of Plants and Director of the Botanical Garden Berlin. He holds a W3 professorship and leads the Borsch Group, focusing on plant evolution, phylogenetics, and biodiversity conservation. His career includes roles at the University of Oldenburg and the Nees Institute, with expertise in molecular systematics and integrative taxonomy. Education: PhD (2000) and Habilitation (2005) from the University of Bonn. His research spans plant phylogenomics, biogeography, and conservation strategies, with active projects in Colombia, the South Caucasus, and Vietnam. He co-leads initiatives like ColBioDiv and EvoBoGa, emphasizing biodiversity management and genetic resource utilization. Key achievements include over 110 peer-reviewed articles, contributions to global flora projects (e.g., World Flora Online), and leadership roles in scientific bodies like the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities. Awards include the Heisenberg Fellowship and Jugend forscht Prize. His lab facilities specialize in DNA analysis, genome sequencing, and microscopy. Research interests emphasize workflow development for museum collections, sustainable biodiversity use, and international collaboration. His team includes postdocs and PhD students working on projects ranging from Campanulaceae phylogeny to Andean forest dynamics.
Heather D Mason is the Dana Professor of Biology at The University of Tampa's College of Natural and Health Sciences, specializing in marine ecology and physiology. Her research focuses on seahorses (Syngnathidae) and their ecosystems, particularly in The Bahamas and Tampa Bay. She leads a lab investigating environmental impacts on organismal physiology, ecology, and evolution, with applications to conservation management. Education: B.A. in Biology from Smith College (1990) Ph.D. in Biology from Tufts University (1997) Research Interests: Her work integrates molecular, ecological, and evolutionary approaches to study seahorse mating behaviors, population dynamics, and habitat associations. Current projects emphasize the 'secret seahorses' of Eleuthera, a pristine population informing global conservation strategies. She explores sex-specific selection pressures due to male pregnancy and climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems. Awards & Recognition: 2024 Bahamas National Trust Conservation Champion 2019 Dana Professor of Biology 2017-2018 Louise Loy Hunter Distinguished Faculty Award Advising & Grants: Mentored over 20 undergraduate researchers as co-authors Advised NOAA on dwarf seahorse conservation under the ESA Collaborates with Bahamas National Trust on Seahorse National Park management Labs & Teams: Directs the Mason Lab at The University of Tampa, focusing on syngnathid biology and conservation. Active in global networks like the IUCN Specialist Group for Syngnathids and co-chaired SyngBio2017.
Dr. Wendy A. Untereiner is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Brandon University. She holds a PhD in Botany/Mycology from the University of Toronto and has held prestigious postdoctoral fellowships including the A.W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at Duke University. Her research focuses on fungal systematics, particularly the ecology and phylogeny of ascomycetes like Herpotrichiellaceae, Onygenales, and Chaetomiaceae. She investigates topics such as fungal biodiversity in northern environments and keratin-degradation mechanisms. Dr. Untereiner has received numerous awards including the BU Senate Award for Excellence in Research (2013) and the Mycological Society of America’s C.J. Alexopoulos Prize (2006). She has secured funding through NSERC Discovery Grants, the Canada Research Chairs Program, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Her lab collaborates internationally with institutions like the University of Toronto and the Czech Republic’s mycological researchers. Her teaching includes courses on Biodiversity, Medical Mycology, and Microbiology. She actively supervises graduate students and has mentored numerous MSc candidates and undergraduate researchers through NSERC programs. Awards: BU Senate Award, C.J. Alexopoulos Prize, Canada Research Chair Tier II Funding: NSERC grants (2003–2018), CFI/Manitoba Funds (2000, 2005, 2013) Lab Collaborators: James Scott (U Toronto), Martina Réblová (Czech Republic) Her research emphasizes fungal diversity in extreme environments and contributes to global fungal taxonomy databases through projects like the Tree of Life Web Project.
Boxuan Zhao is an Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with an affiliate role at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on RNA biology, epigenetics, and neurobiology, developing cutting-edge technologies to map brain connectivity and molecular mechanisms underlying neural function. He holds a B.S. from Peking University (2012), M.S./Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (2017), and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University (2017-2023). Research interests include RNA modifications (e.g., m6A), single-cell multi-omics, and systems-level analysis of brain organization. His lab integrates transcriptomics, proteomics, and connectomics to study neuronal connectivity dynamics and molecular mechanisms of brain disorders. Key contributions include methods like Connectome-seq for high-resolution neuronal mapping and RNA-protein interaction mapping via APEX targeting. Highlighted Achievements: 2023 & 2022 Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher in Molecular Biology Howard Hughes Medical Institute Predoctoral Fellowship (2014) Winner of multiple innovation awards in RNA biology and chemical biology Publications span foundational insights into m6A’s role in mRNA translation, viral replication, and developmental transitions. Zhao’s interdisciplinary approach bridges chemical biology, neuroscience, and genomics, with a focus on translational applications in health and disease.
Carlos Lois is a Research Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Director of the T&C Chen Center for Neuroscience Education. He holds an M.D. from the University of Valencia (1991) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Rockefeller University (1995). His postdoctoral training included work at Caltech and MIT, where he developed transgenic methods for neurobiological research. His research focuses on understanding how coordinated neuronal circuit activity underpins brain function. Key questions include mapping neuronal connectivity, tracing information flow through circuits, and identifying mechanisms enabling circuit reliability despite noise. His lab develops innovative genetic tools like TRACT (Tracing Neuronal Circuits in Transgenic Animals by Transneuronal Control of Transcription) and employs electrophysiology, optical imaging, and genetic engineering techniques to study these processes. Recent publications highlight advancements in in vivo delivery systems for neuronal imaging, olfactory circuit maintenance, and resilience of learned behaviors after perturbations. His work bridges basic neuroscience with neurotechnology, emphasizing applications in understanding brain circuit dynamics and potential clinical implications. Carlos Lois accepts graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to advance neuroscientific research at Caltech.
Dr. Mateusz Płóciennik is a researcher at the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology , University of Łódź, Poland. His work focuses on paleoclimatology, freshwater ecology, and environmental reconstruction through interdisciplinary approaches. Research Keywords: Climate change, Ecosystem responses, Freshwater ecology, Multiproxy analysis Recent publications highlight his expertise in Holocene climate dynamics, carbon cycling in northern lakes, alpine macroinvertebrate resilience, and taxonomic discoveries. Collaborations span institutions in marine studies, environmental engineering, and agricultural sciences. Notable Contributions: First documentation of Eukiefferiella dittmari in Poland; analyses of North Atlantic Jet influence on Carpathian climates; studies on mire humidity tracking using statistical models.
Kasper Karlsson is a Senior Research Specialist at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, leading a research group focused on overcoming tumor heterogeneity in childhood cancers like neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the same department from 2021 to 2025. Employment: Senior Research Specialist (2025–present), Assistant Professor (2021–2025) Education: Medicine Doctoral degree in Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet (2016) His research employs cutting-edge approaches such as organoid modeling , expressed cell barcoding , single-cell sequencing , and high-throughput drug screening to develop precision strategies like Precision Lethality for targeting resistant tumor clones. Current projects include molecular radiotherapy and CRISPR/Cas9-based tumor modeling. In the last decade, Karlsson has published in top-tier journals (e.g., Nature , Cell ), focusing on cancer biology, stem cell research, and genomic analysis. His work bridges translational oncology with medical biotechnology , emphasizing tumor evolution and therapeutic resistance. Scientific Awards European Research Council Starting Grant (2023) Research Grants Swedish Research Council (2024–2027) Swedish Cancer Society (2024) Childhood Cancer Foundation (2024) European Research Council (2024–2028) As a mentor, he supervises doctoral students including Myra Almen and Cheng-De Liu. His lab collaborates with institutions like SciLifeLab and Radiumhemmet, contributing to precision medicine and cancer survival improvements.
Matthew Nabity is a Professor in the Division of Computer Science at Western Oregon University (WOU), where he has been teaching since 2011. He directs the interdisciplinary WOU Data Lab , which focuses on data science education, research, and community engagement. His current projects include DNA Barcoding, Prerequisite Efficacy Analysis, and Data Visualization. His research spans Data Science Computational Biology Educational Technology Machine Learning Applied Physics . He has co-authored publications in journals such as the International Journal of Computer Science Education in Schools and the Journal of Experimental Biology , often mentoring undergraduate students as co-authors. The WOU Data Lab under his leadership aims to: Provide student opportunities in data science Motivate further study in data science Develop data science techniques Support campus data science activities . His recent publications highlight collaborations in Integrating dance with coding education Computational biology (DNA barcoding) Statistical modeling in sports analytics Detonation physics in aerospace engineering . He has mentored undergraduate researchers like Michael Baltzley, Breeann Flesch, and Stephen Ockerman.
René van der Vlugt is a Professor and researcher at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in Biointeractions and Plant Health. With over 197 research outputs, he is a leading expert in plant virology and plant health management, holding the title prof.dr.ir. which indicates his professorship, doctorate, and engineering qualifications. His research spans multiple critical areas of plant health: Plant virus transmission mechanisms and pathways Molecular detection methods for plant viruses Management strategies for viral diseases in crops Seed certification and virus-free propagation Interactions between plant pests and viruses Development of diagnostic databases for plant health Dr. van der Vlugt's recent work has focused on creating advanced diagnostic tools and comprehensive databases, with significant contributions including the Plant Virus Transmissions Database (2024) and EPPO-Q-bank for plant pest diagnostics (2024). His research bridges fundamental virology with practical applications for agricultural sustainability, addressing emerging viral diseases in key crops like tomatoes, cucurbits, and potatoes. His scientific contributions demonstrate strong trends toward developing multiplex detection systems, creating comprehensive databases for plant health diagnostics, and implementing integrated management strategies for viral diseases. This work spans disciplines including molecular biology, agricultural science, bioinformatics, and epidemiology. Dr. van der Vlugt actively supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects: Understanding and Responding to Aphid vectored Potato Virus Y (2024-) Chloroplast-based resistance to plant viruses (2023-) Monitoring and control of bee viruses in the Netherlands (2023-) Viruscollecties (fiche) project (2013-2026) H2020 VIRTIGATION project (2023-2024) His laboratory work focuses on molecular detection methods, virus transmission studies, and developing resistance strategies in crops. Dr. van der Vlugt collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe and contributes regularly to scientific conferences and media discussions on plant health issues.
Theo van der Lee is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research specializing in Biointeractions and Plant Health . With over 254 research outputs and 20 datasets, he focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, particularly within Fusarium and Pectobacterium genera. His work spans molecular diagnostics, genome sequencing, and evolutionary analysis of plant diseases. Key research areas: Fusarium head blight, bacterial virulence, mitochondrial genomics Active projects: Wart disease control, maize stalk rot resistance, pangenome mining Major contributions include: Developing NGS-based diagnostic tools Unraveling evolutionary histories of plant pathogens Creating efficient target enrichment methods He has received international recognition including the 2007 Friendship Award from Liaoning Province for agricultural research contributions and frequently contributes to professional conferences on plant disease detection and resilience. Notable collaborations include: Dr. S. Aarts (plant genetics) Prof. Y. Bai (disease phenotyping) Dr. M. Duhamel (plant immunity)
Prof. Dr. Birgit Gemeinholzer is a Professor at the University of Kassel, where she serves as Head of Working Group and Chair Holder in the Department of Botany within the Institute of Biology (FB 10). Her academic journey began with horticulture studies at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, followed by a Master of Science at the University and Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. She earned her PhD at the University of Heidelberg focusing on Solanaceae phylogeny, held postdoctoral positions at IPK-Gatersleben, and worked as Research Associate at the Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem. Prior to her current position at Kassel, she served as Academic Councillor at Justus Liebig University of Giessen, where she completed her habilitation in plant systematics and biodiversity research and was appointed extraordinary professor in 2017. Prof. Gemeinholzer's research focuses primarily on plant metabarcoding, population genetic analyses of endangered plants, and networking of biological data. Her work bridges molecular techniques with ecological and conservation applications, particularly in understanding plant-insect interactions, genetic diversity in threatened species, and the development of biodiversity monitoring systems. She has made significant contributions to DNA barcoding methodologies, metabarcoding applications for environmental monitoring, and the conservation genetics of endangered plant species. Her research integrates cutting-edge molecular approaches with traditional botanical knowledge to address pressing conservation challenges. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on developing and applying molecular techniques for biodiversity assessment and conservation. Her work spans from fundamental methodological improvements in DNA metabarcoding to applied studies on plant-pollinator interactions, genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation, and the development of automated biodiversity monitoring systems. She frequently collaborates across disciplines, working with ecologists, data scientists, and conservation practitioners to translate molecular findings into practical conservation applications. Her research shows a clear trajectory toward integrating artificial intelligence with molecular data for more comprehensive ecosystem understanding. Prof. Gemeinholzer has been actively involved in major research initiatives including NFDI4Biodiversity (National Research Data Infrastructure for Biodiversity), the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN), and the DNA Bank Network. She has contributed significantly to developing data standards and infrastructure for biodiversity research, particularly in the areas of DNA barcoding and metabarcoding. Her work on the Disentis Roadmap for biodiversity data release demonstrates her commitment to open science and data sharing practices in biodiversity research. At the University of Kassel, Prof. Gemeinholzer leads research activities focused on plant biodiversity assessment using molecular methods. Her laboratory develops and applies metabarcoding techniques for environmental monitoring, with particular emphasis on plant-insect interactions and conservation genetics of endangered species. She collaborates extensively with other researchers across Germany and internationally, contributing to large-scale biodiversity monitoring initiatives and conservation projects. Her work bridges fundamental research in plant systematics with practical applications for nature conservation.
Marcia Sittenthaler is a researcher at the Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management , part of the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna . She holds a PhD (2020), MSc (2012), and BSc (2009) in wildlife and environmental sciences from the same institution. Doctoral studies (2015-2020): Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna Master of Science (2009-2012): Wildlife Ecology and Management Bachelor (2006-2009): Environment and Bio Resources Management Her research focuses on conservation genetics, wildlife ecology, and environmental pollution , particularly microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. Key projects include non-invasive genetic census of otters , genetic differentiation of black grouse , and microplastic contamination studies . Her work integrates molecular ecology with field-based conservation strategies . Notable awards: Fritz-Frank Award (2021) Carl von Schreibers Forschungspreis (2015) She has supervised 3 theses, including Sophie Layendecker's (2023) Microplastic intake of otters and Florian Kunz's (2017) Black grouse genetic diversity . Active in scientific community service , she serves as a reviewer for journals like Mammalian Biology and Wildlife Biology , and is a member of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group (since 2012).
Francesco Paolocci is a Research Director at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Division of Perugia. He holds a prominent position in plant molecular biology and fungal genomics research, with particular expertise in flavonoid biosynthesis, truffle genetics, and plant-microbe interactions. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying secondary metabolism in plants and fungi. Dr. Paolocci's research focuses on multiple interconnected areas: genetic and environmental control of flavonoid biosynthesis in crops and model species; cloning and functional characterization of regulatory (bHLHs, MYBs) and structural genes involved in anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis; whole transcriptome analysis of genes related to oxidative stress, flavonoid and sugar biosynthesis; breeding forage legumes by transgenesis, interspecific hybridization and genome editing; and genetics and genomics of Tuber spp. and other Pezizomycetes. His work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to applied agricultural research, with particular emphasis on truffle biology and plant secondary metabolism. Analysis of his most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a strong focus on plant-microbe interactions, particularly the symbiotic relationship between Azolla filiculoides and rice, as well as continued research on truffle genomics and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. His work demonstrates a consistent integration of molecular, genetic, and physiological approaches to address fundamental questions in plant and fungal biology. Premio 2008 per il Co-finanziamento di ricerche di eccellenza nel settore Agroalimentare by CNR Agrofood Department Co-author of a study on Lotus spp. awarded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Productiva Presedencia de la Nacion Argentina with the price Innovar 2009 Categoría Innovaciones en el Agro Dr. Paolocci serves as a scientific responsible for several national and international projects and is an Ad Hoc Reviewer for more than 30 scientific journals. He has advised numerous graduate students and PhD students from the University of Perugia and University of Urbino. His editorial roles include Co-Editor of The Open Agriculture Journal and Review Editor for Frontiers in Plant Science, Frontiers in Fungal Biology, and Plants. His research group maintains active collaborations with institutions in Spain, France, and the UK, as evidenced by his visiting scientist positions at Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas in Valencia, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell in Paris, and John Innes Centre in Norwich.
Gerold Winkler is a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management , part of the Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . With a focus on freshwater ecosystems in Eastern Africa and Europe, his work bridges ecological research with capacity-building initiatives. Projects: FreshNet (2024-2027), SWAQ Uganda (2021-2025), AQUAHUB II (2021-2024) Research interests center on fish ecology , water quality management , and ecosystem-based conservation . His work emphasizes sustainable fisheries, climate adaptation, and the ecological significance of large river systems, particularly the Danube and Eastern African lakes. Knowledge transfer includes leadership in educational programs like the International Joint Master Degree in Limnology & Wetland Management, with publications spanning genetic analysis , habitat modeling , and development policy . Current projects address freshwater conservation in the Lake Victoria basin and aquaculture optimization in Ethiopia.
Professor Maxine Piggott is a molecular biologist and leads the Tropical Biosecurity Group at Charles Darwin University's Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (RINA). Her roles include managing plant biosecurity diagnostics and collaborating with entities like CSIRO and NT Government. She specializes in genomics tools for biosecurity and biodiversity, focusing on eDNA methods and disease vector studies. Education: PhD in Molecular Ecology (Monash University), BSc (Honours) in Science (Murdoch University). Research Interests: Population structure of disease vectors, eDNA surveillance, endemic species' roles in disease spread, and genomic diagnostics. Her work addresses northern Australia's biosecurity challenges through collaborative projects. Recent Research Trends: Articles emphasize eDNA applications, invasive species detection, and population genetics. Notable studies include crocodile leather structure analysis, sperm whale population genetics, and fall armyworm detection. Awards: Australian Museum Eureka Prize for PhD research on biodiversity monitoring tools. Advising & Grants: Supervises HDR students (e.g., Yennefer A., Okazaki T.) and leads projects on eDNA monitoring, nematode distribution, and biosecurity strategies. Attracts ARC DECRA and institutional funding. Labs/Teams: Tropical Biosecurity Group and collaborations with CSIRO, Plant Health Australia, and NT Government on biosecurity initiatives.
