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Kristian Helin is Chief Executive and President of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, and a Professor with affiliations at the University of Copenhagen and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He founded/directed the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Centre for Epigenetics, and Danish Stem Cell Center. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation, cancer biology, and stem cell differentiation. Education: Ph.D. Molecular Biology, University of Copenhagen (1991) M.Sc. Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (1988) Research Interests: Helin's work deciphers molecular mechanisms in cancer, emphasizing epigenetic drivers (e.g., H3K4/H3K36 methylation), transcriptional control, and therapeutic targeting. His lab identified E2F transcription factors, linked epigenetic dysregulation to leukemia/lymphoma, and develops drugs targeting kinases/epigenetic enzymes. Research spans acute myeloid leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and solid tumors using CRISPR screens and preclinical models. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) focus on epigenetic therapy, chromatin remodeling, and kinase signaling in cancer. Key themes include targeting NSD1/KDM5C/RIOK2 enzymes, combination therapies (EZH2/DOT1L inhibitors), and metabolic regulation in leukemia. Studies bridge basic mechanisms (enhancer regulation, insulator accessibility) with translational applications. Awards: Anders Jahre Prize (2014), ERC Advanced Grant (2011), Novo Nordisk Prize (2008) Memberships: Academia Europaea, Royal Danish Academy, EMBO Leadership: Helin co-founded EpiTherapeutics (acquired by Gilead) and leads the Epigenetics and Cancer lab at ICR. His team investigates AML pathogenesis and chromatin complexes like HUSH/NURF. Grants include ERC funding and innovation prizes.

• Cancer biology
• Epigenetics
• Stem cells
• +5 more

Ramesh Shanmughom Pillai is a Full Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, Switzerland. He holds additional roles as a Visiting Professor at the University of Kumamoto, Japan, and has been a Group Leader at EMBL Grenoble and a postdoctoral fellow at the Friedrich Miescher Institute. His research focuses on RNA modifications, epigenetics, and piRNA pathways in germline biology. Pillai has received prestigious awards including the ERC Consolidator Grant and The RNA Society Scaringe Award. Education: BSc Botany (University of Kerala, India) MSc Biotechnology (IIT Roorkee, India) PhD in Cell Biology (University of Bern, Switzerland) Research Interests: Pillai’s work centers on RNA biology, particularly the role of RNA modifications (e.g., m6A, m6Am) in development and fertility. He investigates piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, and the molecular mechanisms of RNA-protein interactions. His studies bridge biochemistry, genetics, and structural biology to elucidate how RNA molecules regulate critical biological processes. Teaching & Service: At the University of Geneva, he teaches Molecular Biology courses (BSc/MSc levels) and advises 5 PhD students and 4 postdocs. He chairs the ERC Consolidator Grant Review Panel and organizes major conferences like the PIWI/piRNAs Meeting and Swiss RNA Workshop. Pillai also serves on editorial boards for Nucleic Acids Research and RNA . Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2015) Best PhD Thesis Award (2003) RNA Society Scaringe Award (2005) Grants & Labs: Funded by ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants, his lab explores RNA modification networks in germ cells. Former trainees include Professors Simon Conn (Flinders University) and Hao Wu (CAS, China).

• Epigenetics
• RNA modifications
• miRNAs
• +5 more

Moira Whyte serves as Sir John Crofton Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Head of Edinburgh Medical School at the University of Edinburgh, while directing the MRC University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research. Her leadership spans clinical academia and major research initiatives focused on respiratory pathophysiology. Her educational background includes a 1st Class B.Sc. (1981), M.B., B.S. (1984), and Ph.D. (1993) from the University of London, complemented by professional qualifications: M.R.C.P. (1987), F.R.C.P. (1998), and F.Med.Sci. (2005) from the Academy of Medical Sciences. Whyte's research centers on neutrophil biology, macrophage function, and hypoxia signaling pathways in respiratory diseases. Her work explores how oxygen-sensing mechanisms like HIF pathways regulate immune cell function in COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and bacterial infections, with particular focus on cellular metabolism and inflammation resolution. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on neutrophil and macrophage biology within respiratory diseases, with growing emphasis on metabolic regulation of immune responses. Her work bridges basic science (using zebrafish models) with clinical applications, particularly in COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Her scientific recognition includes: 2014 OBE for Services to Respiratory Medicine 2014 Foundation Fellow of the European Respiratory Society 2005 Fellow, Academy of Medical Sciences 2002 Tudor Edwards Lecturer of the Royal College of Physicians 1994 Wellcome Trust Advanced Fellowship 1989 MRC Clinical Training Fellowship Whyte directs substantial research funding, including a £6.4M Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme (ECAT-Plus) and multiple grants investigating macrophage function in COPD, hypoxia pathways in pulmonary fibrosis, and neutrophilic inflammation regulation. Her collaborative approach is evident in multi-institutional projects like the EME-TIPAC study on pulmonary fibrosis. As Director of the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, she leads a multidisciplinary team investigating fundamental mechanisms of inflammation across multiple disease contexts, with particular strength in respiratory immunology and translational applications.

• Respiratory medicine
• Inflammation
• Neutrophil biology
• +5 more

Prim. Clin. Assoc. Prof. PD Dr. Dietmar Dammerer, MSc PhD is the head of the Clinical Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at Krems University Hospital, affiliated with Karl Landsteiner Private University of Health Sciences. He has been in this role since February 2022, leading the merger of orthopedics and traumatology into a unified clinical department. A dual-trained specialist, he is recognized for his expertise in endoprosthetics and tumor orthopedics, and actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based medicine. His educational background includes a PhD in Musculoskeletal Sciences (2015), an MSc in Advanced Orthopaedics and Traumatology (2017), and board certification in both orthopedics and traumatology (2017, 2018), culminating in habilitation in 2019. He has received prestigious Traveling Fellowships from the European Hip Society and European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society. Dietmar Dammerer’s research focuses on orthopedic oncology, joint reconstruction, biomechanics, and minimally invasive surgery. His work emphasizes the integration of clinical inquiry with research to improve patient outcomes. Recent publications analyze pelvic sarcoma reconstruction, spinal metastases, cartilage repair techniques, and health disparities in sarcoma care. His 15 most recent articles reflect a strong trend in musculoskeletal oncology, surgical biomechanics, and evidence-based orthopedic practice, with frequent use of systematic reviews, retrospective studies, and multicenter collaborations. Topics include implant performance, surgical safety, and global access to specialized care. Scientific awards include: Traveling Fellow Stipendium from the European Hip Society (2018) Traveling Fellow Stipendium from the European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society (2020) He is deeply committed to mentoring and team development, emphasizing that medical success is measured by the success of one’s colleagues. He leads a research-active department that hosts international observers, conducts training courses for physicians across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and maintains a high rate of peer-reviewed publication. The department collaborates closely with the Departments of Biomechanics and Anatomy and Developmental Biology, reflecting a multidisciplinary research approach.

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Endoprosthetics
• +7 more

Jan-Michael Peters is a leading academic affiliated with the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) , Vienna, Austria. He has held pivotal roles including Scientific Director (2013–present) , Scientific Deputy Director (2011–2012) , and Senior Scientist (2002–2010) . His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Cell Biology (1991) from the University of Heidelberg and postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School and the German Cancer Research Center. 1985 : Prediploma in Biology, University of Kiel 1988 : Diploma in Biology, University of Heidelberg 1991 : Ph.D. in Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg His research focuses on cell cycle regulation , chromosome biology , mitosis , and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis , contributing to developmental biology and molecular mechanisms. Notable scientific accolades include the Wittgenstein Prize (2011) , EMBO Young Investigator Award (2001) , and Mendel Lecture (2008) . He has been a member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2012.

• Cell cycle
• Chromosome biology
• Mitosis
• +1 more

Jan Ellenberg is a Senior Scientist and Head of the Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) since 2006 and 2010, respectively. He also serves as EMBL Delegate to the Euro-BioImaging Interim Board since 2014 and has coordinated multiple EMBL units and pan-European imaging infrastructure projects. PhD in biochemistry (1998, NIH & Freie Universität Berlin) Diploma in biology (1994, Universität Hamburg) His research focuses on cell biology , nuclear and chromosome dynamics , and advanced microscopy technologies . Key areas include mitosis/meiosis , nuclear pore complex organization , and super-resolution/light-sheet microscopy development. Scientific awards include the Allen Distinguished Investigator (2017), ERC Advanced Investigator (2016), and Walter Flemming Medal (2004). His publications (>130) frequently appear in top journals like Nature, Science, and Cell. 2017 Allen Distinguished Investigator 2016 ERC Advanced Investigator 2016 Honorary Doctor of Philosophy at Åbo Akademi University 2006 EMBO Member

• Cell biology
• Systems biology
• Cell division
• +7 more

Peer Bork is a Professor at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, where he serves as Strategic Head of Bioinformatics and co-head of the Structural and Computational Biology Unit. He also holds honorary professorships at the University of Würzburg (Germany) and Fudan University (China). Educational background: PhD in Biochemistry (1990) Habilitation in Theoretical Biophysics (1995) Research interests span bioinformatics , systems biology , and microbiome analysis , focusing on functional prediction, comparative genomics, and data integration. His work explores global patterns in microbial communities, including enterotypes, drug-microbiome interactions, and planetary-scale gene fluxes. Scientific impact includes over 550 publications (70+ in Nature , Science , and Cell ) and groundbreaking discoveries like the human gut enterotypes and microbiome-based cancer biomarkers . Key projects include the SPIRE microbiome resource and the TARA Oceans expedition . Honors and leadership: EMBO member (2000) Nature Creative Mentoring Award (2008) ERC Advanced Investigator Grants (2011, 2015) Leopoldina member (2014) Honorary doctorate (University of Utrecht, 2017) Co-founder of 5 biotech companies Collaborative networks include partnerships with institutions in Berlin (Max-Delbrück-Center), Würzburg (Germany), and Shanghai (China), as well as global initiatives like the TREC expedition for environmental microbiome analysis.

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Georg Langs is a Full Professor of Machine Learning in Medical Imaging at the Medical University of Vienna and Founding Director of the Computational Imaging Research Lab (CIR). He leads a 25-member interdisciplinary team focusing on machine learning methodologies for medical image analysis. Key roles include Director of the Joint Initiative on AI in Medical Imaging (European Institute of Biomedical Imaging Research) and Scientific Lead of the Respiratory Disease Phenotype Observatory (ZODIAC, UNO/IAEA). He is affiliated with MIT’s CSAIL and serves on advisory boards for global AI initiatives. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Graz University of Technology (2007) M.Sc. in Mathematics, Vienna University of Technology (2003) Research Interests: Machine learning-driven precision imaging, neuroimaging, clinical data phenotyping, and cross-species brain connectivity analysis. His work bridges imaging biomarkers with biological mechanisms and large-scale clinical data integration. Grants & Funding: Over €6M in competitive grants as Principal Investigator in the last two years. Projects include ARTEMIS (fatty liver disease digital twins) and AI-POD (personalized risk scores via imaging). Awards: 2022 IS3R Emerging Leaders Club 2022 National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leader Programme 2018 Advisor, AI Mission Austria 2030 Lab & Teams: CIR Lab focuses on AI-driven medical imaging solutions. Co-founded contextflow GmbH , a MedUni spin-off developing AI software for imaging analysis.

• Machine Learning
• Medical Imaging
• Precision Medicine
• +3 more

Silvia Arber holds a joint appointment as Full Professor for Neurobiology/Cell Biology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, and serves as Senior Group Leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI) in Basel, Switzerland. Her laboratory investigates the organization, function, and development of neuronal circuits controlling motor behavior, with a particular focus on how these circuits enable precise movement control. Arber obtained her PhD in 1996 from the Friedrich Miescher Institute under Pico Caroni, followed by postdoctoral training with Thomas Jessell at Columbia University (1996-2000), where she studied transcription factors in spinal cord neuronal differentiation. Her educational background includes Biology II studies at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel with graduation in Cell Biology (1987), a diploma thesis at the FMI (1990), and graduate work at the FMI (1992). Her research program centers on elucidating how neuronal circuits orchestrate accurate motor behavior in response to sensory cues and voluntary movement initiation. Using mouse as a model system, her laboratory employs multi-faceted approaches including advanced mouse genetics, viral technologies for transsynaptic circuit tracing, optogenetics and pharmacogenetics for functional manipulation, quantitative behavioral analysis, electrophysiology, and gene expression profiling. Her work has revealed precise synaptic interactions within dedicated motor circuit modules throughout the nervous system and how these impact function, with implications for understanding diseases causing motor deficits and spinal cord injury. Analysis of Arber's publication record shows a consistent focus on motor circuit organization, with particular emphasis on transcriptional control mechanisms, circuit connectivity mapping, and the relationship between developmental processes and functional circuit organization. Her work bridges molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience, providing fundamental insights into how the nervous system controls movement. The Brain Prize (2022) Elected to the National Academy of Sciences of the United States (2020) Physiological Society Annual Review Prize Lecture (2019) Pradel Research Award (2018) W. Alden Spencer Award (2018) Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2017) ERC Advanced Grant (2010-2015) EMBO Member (2005) EMBO Young Investigator Award (2001) While specific students are not listed in the provided materials, Arber's laboratory has received significant research funding including an ERC Advanced Grant (2010-2015) and multiple prestigious awards supporting her research program. Her laboratory at the Biozentrum (Room 11.038) collaborates closely with the Friedrich Miescher Institute, where she serves as Senior Group Leader. The research group employs cutting-edge technologies for neural circuit analysis and has contributed fundamental insights into motor circuit organization, with implications for understanding and potentially treating movement disorders and spinal cord injuries.

• Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal differentiation
• Neuronal circuit development and connectivity
• Motor system development and function
• +7 more

Univ.-Prof. Karl Crailsheim is a Professor at the University of Graz, affiliated with the Institute of Zoology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on honeybee behavior, physiology, and health, particularly investigating the honeybee superorganism and threats to their colonies. He explores swarm systems, robotics, and swarm intelligence, with recent emphasis on colony losses and environmental threats. His work bridges biology and robotics, applying insights from honeybee behavior to algorithm design. Research interests include honeybee nutrition, immune responses, pathogen impacts, and the application of citizen science in ecological studies. Key projects involve tracking honeybee behavior, analyzing pollen diversity, and developing robotic systems inspired by swarm dynamics. Collaborative efforts with citizen scientists enhance ecological data collection. Publications highlight advancements in understanding bee health, pesticide effects, and swarm robotics. His interdisciplinary approach addresses both biological and technological challenges in apiculture and robotics.

• Honeybee Behavior
• Swarm Intelligence
• Biology
• +3 more

Axel Meyer is a Professor of Zoology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Konstanz, Germany, since 1997. He also serves as Head of the Genome Center Konstanz and Co-Chair of the International Max-Planck Research School in Organismal Biology since 2009. His career includes tenure as Associate Professor (1993–1997) and Assistant Professor (1990–1993) at the State University of New York’s Department of Ecology and Evolution, and a postdoctoral fellowship at UC-Berkeley. Education: Ph.D. in Zoology, University of California, Berkeley (1988) MS in Zoology, University of California, Berkeley (1984–1988) Graduate work at Harvard University (1986–1987) Universität Marburg (Vordiplom, 1979–1982) University of Miami (1982) Universität Kiel (1982) His research focuses on molecular phylogenetics , speciation , and evolutionary biology , particularly in fish, amphibians, and reptiles. He has pioneered studies on adaptive radiations in African cichlids , sympatric speciation in Nicaraguan crater lake cichlids , and gene/genome duplications , including the fish-specific genome duplication event. His work intersects molecular evolution , comparative genomics , and evo-devo , emphasizing developmental gene families like Hox and hedgehog. Notable awards include the ERC Advanced Grant (2011) , Hector Prize (2012) , and Carus Medal (2009) . He is a member of the Academia Europaea , EMBO , and several German academies. His editorial roles span journals such as PLoS ONE , BMC Evolutionary Biology , and Molecular Biology and Evolution .

• Molecular phylogenetics
• Speciation
• Molecular evolution
• +5 more

Prof. Ferenc Nagy is a distinguished academic at the University of Edinburgh, UK, holding the position of Professor of Plant Cell and System Biology. He is also affiliated with the Biological Research Centre (BRC) in Szeged, Hungary, where he serves as Deputy Director, and holds honorary roles at the University of Freiburg, Germany. His expertise spans plant molecular biology, photobiology, chronobiology, and optogenetics, with a focus on light signaling pathways, circadian clocks, and stress responses in plants. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Genetics (1981), József Attila University, Szeged D.Sc. in Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Expression (1997), Hungarian Academy of Sciences Habilitation (2001), Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest Research Interests: His work explores phytochrome signaling , UV-B light responses , and circadian clock regulation . Key areas include the molecular mechanisms of light-controlled plant development, stress signaling integration, and optogenetic tools for mammalian gene control. His lab has pioneered studies on protein phosphorylation in phytochrome function and the role of UVR8 in UV-B perception. Scientific Impact: With 160+ publications, over 10,000 citations, and an H-index of 59, his research bridges fundamental biology and applied optogenetics. Notable contributions include defining the structure/function of phytochromes and identifying critical cis-regulatory elements in plant stress responses. Leadership and Awards: He has served as Deputy Director of BRC Szeged, General Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Center, and Monitoring Editor of Plant Physiology . Recognitions include the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit (2013), Humboldt Research Award (1997), and membership in the German Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina).

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Photobiology
• Chronobiology
• +3 more

Edouard Hannezo is a Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) since 2022, focusing on the application of theoretical physics to elucidate design principles of self-organization in biological systems. His research spans multiple scales, from cytoskeletal dynamics to tissue architecture, with key collaborations in developmental and cell biology. The Hannezo Group integrates solid/fluid mechanics, statistical physics, and soft materials engineering to address fundamental questions in morphogenesis. Current Research: Investigates stochastic branching in mammalian organs, active fluids in cytoskeletal organization, and fate selection during development. Key Contributions: Developed biophysical frameworks for intestinal organoid morphogenesis, branching morphogenesis, and mechanochemical feedback loops. Scientific Awards: EMBO Young Investigator Award (2019) ERC Starting Grant (2019) Wellcome Trust Fellowship (2015) Bettencourt-Schuller Young Researcher Prize (2014) Team: Leads a multidisciplinary team including PhD students (Zuzana Dunajova, Andreas Ehrmann, Kasumi Kishi) and postdocs (Oliver Drozdowski, Yuting Li), with technical support from image analyst Suyash Naik.

• Biophysics
• Theoretical Physics
• Developmental Biology
• +2 more

Prof. Sara Merino Aceituno is a Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Vienna, leading research in kinetic theory and its applications to biology, medicine, and social sciences. She holds roles as Vice-Dean of the Faculty and Head of the Institute of Mathematics. Her work bridges mathematical models with experimental data, focusing on emergent phenomena in collective dynamics, opinion formation, and cell behavior. She teaches advanced courses on kinetic theory, biomathematics, and mathematical strategies for learning. Her contributions include modeling cell delamination, nematic alignment, and swarm dynamics through PDEs and probabilistic methods. Collaborations with experimentalists drive her interdisciplinary research. She actively engages in education, advising, and public outreach, including a video series explaining mathematical patterns in nature. Her research emphasizes understanding macroscopic patterns arising from microscopic interactions in complex systems. Education: Holds a PhD in Mathematics, with expertise in kinetic theory and applied partial differential equations. Teaching and leadership roles reflect her commitment to academic excellence and student support. Her work integrates experimental and computational models to study clonal dynamics in tissues and mechanical constraints in epithelial layers. She has authored over 20 papers on topics ranging from active matter to opinion formation networks, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in biology and social sciences. Research focuses on deriving hydrodynamic and continuum models from particle systems, analyzing stability and bifurcations in collective behavior. Grants and collaborations include the Vienna Biocenter PhD Program and experimental groups in cell biology. Her lab explores how environmental factors influence particle swarms and how mechanical forces shape cell cycles in pseudostratified epithelia.

• Kinetic Theory
• Partial Differential Equations
• Mathematical Biology
• +5 more

Matthias Peter is a Professor of Biochemistry at ETH Zurich, leading research into mechanisms governing cell growth and division. His laboratory focuses on ubiquitin-dependent regulation of DNA replication and mitosis, and autophagy's role in cellular quality control. He chairs the Department of Biology (2011-2015) and holds leadership roles in Switzerland's research infrastructure, including Vice Chair of ScopeM's microscopy platform. His academic career includes roles at ISREC (1996-2002) and postdoctoral training at UCSF (1991-1996). Education: PhD in Biochemistry from ISREC (1991), ETH Zurich diploma in Gene Technology (1987). Research interests span molecular mechanisms of cell division, ubiquitin systems, and autophagy. Awards include ERC Advanced Grant (2011) and UBS Excellence in Research (2002). Leadership: Member of Swiss National Research Council, SNF selection committee, and SWTR council. Over 20 years of committee service in national research programs. His lab's work is published in top journals like Science, Nature, and Molecular Cell.

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Cell division
• +7 more