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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

Jane Parker is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne. She has held prestigious positions including Max-Planck Fellow (2004-2009) and Senior Group Leader at the Max-Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. Her career spans institutions like the Sainsbury Laboratory and John Innes Centre, focusing on plant-microbe interactions. Education: BSc in Applied Biology (1st class hons, 1983) from University of Bradford, PhD in Botany/Microbiology (1987) from University of Wales, Swansea. Her research centers on plant innate immunity, NLR receptor signaling, and biotic stress networks. She investigates how plants reprogram transcription during pathogen attacks and studies natural variation in defense mechanisms using Arabidopsis. Jane has received significant recognition, including election to EMBO and the Leopoldina Academy. She serves on editorial boards for Science , Current Opinion in Plant Biology , and Trends in Plant Science . Her leadership roles include co-coordinating the CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence (2013-2018) and reviewing grants for major international funding bodies.

• Plant innate immunity
• Host-microbe interactions
• NLR receptor signalling
• +6 more

Sandra Siegert is a Professor in the Life Sciences Department at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). Her research focuses on understanding how microglia interact with neuronal networks in both healthy and diseased states, particularly in the context of neuropathological disorders. She integrates knowledge from virology, immunology, molecular biology, neuroscience, and applied mathematics to study microglia's role in brain maintenance and disease progression. Education Dr. phil. nat in Neurobiology from the University of Basel (2005-2010) Diploma in Biological Sciences from Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main (2000-2005) Research Interests Dr. Siegert's work emphasizes microglia's response to environmental cues, their epigenetic regulation, and their contribution to neurological disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Key areas include: Microglia-neuron communication in retinal and cortical circuits Role of microRNAs (e.g., miR-137) in synaptic plasticity 60-Hz light entrainment effects on brain plasticity Applied topology for analyzing cellular networks Human iPSC-derived microglia modeling Publication Trends Her recent articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to studying microglia in retinal organoids, mitochondrial dynamics in stress response, and chimeric GPCR tools for modulating neuroimmune activity. Collaborative work spans gene therapy vectors (AAV2/6), synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia, and ketamine/light entrainment effects on perineuronal nets. Scientific Contributions EMBO short-term fellowship (2011) FWF Austrian Science Fund grant P 37131 (2023-2026) European Research Council grant 715571 (2017-2022) Human Frontiers Science Program grant (2012-2015) Multiple Swiss National Science Foundation grants (2011-2012)

• Microglia
• Neuronal Circuits
• Neuropathological Disorders
• +4 more

Niels Riksen is a Full Professor in Vascular Medicine at Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc) since 2014 and Head of the Division of Vascular Medicine. He previously served as Acting Head of the Department of Internal Medicine (2019-2021) and held leadership roles in the National Society for Vascular Medicine (2017-2019). His academic journey began with a medical degree (2002) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacology (2007, cum laude) from Radboud University, followed by postdoctoral research at University College London (2007-2008). Research Interests focus on trained innate immunity , where he pioneered the discovery that metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of innate immune cells drives atherosclerosis. Key contributions include identifying the NLRP3 inflammasome and mevalonate pathway as critical mediators, and demonstrating how hyperglycemia and catecholamines induce long-term immune cell activation. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, linking trained immunity to cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathophysiology and therapeutic resistance in conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia. Scientific Impact includes over 212 publications (H-index 48), with recent articles focusing on neutrophil reprogramming and epigenetic enzyme targets ( Set7 ). Grants such as the 2023 NHLBI PPG ($1.25M) and 2018 ERA-CVD MEMORY Consortium (€870k) underscore his leadership. His invited lectures at major conferences (e.g., 2024 Japanese Circulation Society, 2022 AHA, 2022 ESC) highlight global recognition. Vascular Medicine Award (2008) Einthoven Award (2008) Excellence3 Award (2006) Current work explores pharmacological modulation of trained immunity in collaboration with the Belgian Centre for Drug Design and Discovery, aiming to develop novel therapies for CVD and metabolic disorders.

• Innate Immune Reprogramming
• Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology
• Trained Innate Immunity
• +3 more

Mihai Netea is Professor of Experimental Medicine at the Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands. A leading immunologist elected to the Academy of Europe in 2015, his work bridges infectious diseases, immunology, and metabolic regulation with over 525 PubMed-indexed publications and 16,000+ citations. His educational trajectory includes an MD from Cluj University, Romania (1987-1993), Dutch medical licensure (1994), PhD training at Radboud (1994-1998), and specialty certification in Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases (2000-2006). MD: University of Cluj, Romania (1987-1993) Dutch MD License: Radboud University (1994) PhD: Radboud University Medical Centre (1994-1998) Specialty Training: Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases (2000-2006) Netea's research revolutionized understanding of innate immunity through the discovery of 'trained immunity' – metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of innate cells after pathogen exposure. His work spans cytokine networks in sepsis, genetic susceptibility to fungal infections (particularly Candida), and immunometabolic crosstalk in inflammatory diseases. Current investigations focus on how β-glucan exposure induces long-term epigenetic changes in monocytes and the role of mTOR/HIF1α pathways in immune memory. Analysis of his 525+ publications reveals dominant themes: trained immunity mechanisms (35%), fungal immunology (25%), genetic susceptibility to infections (20%), and immunometabolism (15%). His 2014 Science papers established the metabolic basis of trained immunity, while genome-wide studies identified key SNPs in candidemia susceptibility. Recent work explores evolutionary adaptations in immune genes and clinical applications for vaccine development. His scientific recognition includes: 16 major awards including Vidi (2005) and Vici (2010) Research Awards ERC Consolidator Grant (2012) and European Society for Clinical Investigation Award (2013) Member of the Young Academy of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Visiting Professorship at Cluj University, Romania Netea has mentored 8 PhD students (4 graduating Cum Laude) and secured €11.6M in major grants including ZonMW Vidi (€600K), Vici (€1.5M), ERC Consolidator (€1.5M), and CVON consortium funding (€8M) as co-coordinator. His laboratory pioneered methods for studying innate immune memory in human monocytes and developed translational models for fungal vaccine development. He leads the Experimental Medicine research group within Radboud's Department of Internal Medicine, collaborating with the Nijmegen Institute for Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (N4i). Current projects investigate trained immunity in sepsis survivors, metabolic reprogramming in autoimmune diseases, and evolutionary immunology of Toll-like receptors across human populations.

• Innate immunity
• Infectious diseases
• Cytokines
• +5 more

Professor Luke O’Neill is the Chair of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin, leading the School of Biochemistry and Immunology. He holds a B.A. (Mod.) in Natural Sciences (Biochemistry) from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of London. His research focuses on innate immunity, immunometabolism, and signal transduction in inflammation. He has pioneered studies on cytokines, inflammasomes, and the role of metabolic pathways in immune responses. Key roles include founding the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (2011) and serving as Head of the School of Biochemistry and Immunology. He is a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin and the Royal Society (FRS). Notable awards include the Royal Irish Academy Gold Medal (2012), the Milstein Award (2018), and election to the European Molecular Biology Organization (2005). His research integrates immunology and metabolism, exploring how metabolic reprogramming influences immune cell function. Recent work highlights itaconate’s role in suppressing inflammation and its antiviral properties. He is also involved in commercial ventures, co-founding Inflazome and Sitryx, targeting immunometabolic therapies. Education: B.A. (1st Class), Trinity College Dublin (1985); PhD, University of London (1988) Affiliations: Trinity College Dublin, Royal Society Fellow, European Molecular Biology Organisation Member Key Contributions: Discovery of cytokine signaling pathways, NLRP3 inflammasome biology, metabolic regulation of immunity Publications span over 300 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on innate immunity’s molecular mechanisms. His outreach includes radio appearances and best-selling science books like Humanology (2018) and Never Mind the B*ll*cks (2020).

• Immunology
• Innate Immunity
• Immunometabolism
• +3 more

Christopher Gerner is a Professor at the University of Vienna, holding positions in the Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Research, and Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science. He directs the Mass Spectrometry Center and maintains an active research program spanning proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics with applications in cancer research and drug development. His research focuses on Proteomics , Mass Spectrometry , Cancer Research , Metabolomics , Lipidomics , and Systems Biology , with particular expertise in cancer cell biology, tumor microenvironment, and drug mechanism studies. His work contributes significantly to understanding ovarian cancer, metastatic melanoma, and inflammatory responses through multi-omics approaches. Dr. Gerner's publication record shows consistent productivity with over 245 publications spanning from 2008 to present, with recent work increasingly focusing on morphometabolic fingerprinting of ovarian cancer, PFAS toxicity, and the biophysical properties of tumor microenvironments. His research integrates proteomics with metabolomics to provide comprehensive molecular insights into disease mechanisms. Best Poster Preis - HPLC 2017: 45th International Symposium on High Performance Liquid Phase Separations and Related Techniques (June 18, 2017) Best Poster Prize - Symposium 'Advances in Chromatography and Electrophoresis & Chiranal 2018' (January 29, 2018) Dr. Gerner leads the ongoing research project 'Morphometabolic fingerprint of ovarian cancer' (2022-2026) in collaboration with Del Favero, Köllensperger, and Zanghellini. His laboratory activities include the Mass Spectrometry Center which serves as a hub for proteomics and metabolomics research at the University of Vienna, supporting both basic and translational research projects across multiple disciplines.

• Proteomics
• Mass Spectrometry
• Cancer Research
• +7 more

Michaela Müller-Trutwin is a Professor at Institut Pasteur, Paris, where she also leads a research unit (since 2014). Her work focuses on viral evolution, innate immunity, and HIV/AIDS pathogenesis. She has pioneered studies on NK cell functions and SIV reservoirs, contributing to HIV cure research. Key roles include Dean of the Pasteur-Paris University PhD program (2008–2013) and Vice-President of Institut Pasteur's Scientific Council. Müller-Trutwin’s research integrates preclinical nonhuman primate models and translational medicine, with global collaborations in Africa and Asia. Research Interests: Her work spans NK cell biology, viral persistence mechanisms, and HIV/SIV immunology. Notable contributions include linking inflammation to AIDS progression and discovering adaptive NK cell roles in viral control. She has advanced clinical trials through her involvement with the ANRS-MIE and co-founded the IDMIT Center for Innovative Therapies. Awards: Puyoo Award (2016) Pasteur Vallery-Radot Award (2014) Line Renaud Award (2010) Grants & Mentorship: She chairs HIV translational research initiatives and supports early-career scientists through mentorship programs. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing global health impacts.

• Virology
• Immunology
• HIV/AIDS Research
• +5 more

Herbert Strobl is a full professor and Chairman of the Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology at the Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria. His research focuses on dendritic cells, immune homeostasis, and the role of TGF-β/BMP signaling in autoimmune diseases and cancer. He leads investigations into Langerhans cell differentiation and myeloid cell functions. Education includes: Medical degree (Dr. med. univ.) from the University of Vienna (1991) Postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University (1998-2001) Board certification in Immunology (1999) Research interests span dendritic cell biology, immune tolerance mechanisms, TGF-β/BMP signaling pathways, Langerhans cell specialization, and inflammation regulation in epithelial tissues. His work integrates molecular immunology with translational applications for autoimmune disorders and cancer immunotherapy. Publications emphasize dendritic cell identity, TGF-β-dependent differentiation, lipid metabolism in immunity, and novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases. Recurring themes include Langerhans cell regulation, immune-metabolic crosstalk, and microenvironmental influences on myeloid cells. Supervised students include Magdalena Lang (graduated). He directs the Otto Loewi Research Center, fostering collaborations in vascular biology and inflammation research.

• Immunology
• Dendritic Cells
• Immune Homeostasis
• +4 more

Elena Santiago is a Professor at the Institute of Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio) under the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) since 2018. She also holds external professor status at the Santa Fe Institute (USA) and has previously served as an Adjunct Professor at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Her research focuses on RNA virus evolution, virus-host interactions, and mathematical modeling of viral population dynamics. Biochemistry Degree PhD in Evolutionary Molecular Genetics of RNA viruses from the University of Valencia Postdoctoral fellowship in microbial experimental evolution at Michigan State University Her work integrates experimental evolution, molecular biology, omics approaches, and computational modeling to study how RNA viruses adapt to hosts and manipulate cellular resources. Recent studies highlight viral transitions from parasitism to mutualism under environmental stress, transcriptomic/epigenomic reprogramming in plant defenses, and the role of transmission modes in viral population structure. Santiago's research has led to over 270 publications with 18,907 citations (H=69) and >300 conference contributions. She has secured 30 grants from prestigious institutions like EMBO, NSF, and EU FP7, and her work includes >80 invited seminars globally. Elected EMBO Young Investigator (2005) Young Virologist Award (2006) Elected EMBO Member (2011) Elected member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2020) She has supervised 23 PhD theses and 20 postdocs, and her lab collaborates internationally. Research contracts with industry total over €16 million, reflecting the translational impact of her work in systems virology.

• Evolutionary and population genetics
• Molecular epidemiology and phylogenomics
• Genomics
• +6 more

Luke A.J. O’Neill is a Professor (Chair of Biochemistry) at the School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. His academic career spans over three decades, with roles including Lecturer (1991-1999), Associate Professor (1999), Head of School (2005), and Founder Director of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (2011). He has held visiting positions at Millennium Pharmaceuticals (2004) and GlaxoSmithKline Ltd (2016). Research Focus: Dr. O’Neill investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation and innate immunity, with emphasis on Toll-like receptors, signal transduction, immunometabolism, and metabolic reprogramming in immunity. His work bridges molecular biology with immunological disease analysis. Scientific Contributions: He has published 285 peer-reviewed papers, 101 book chapters, and maintains an h-index of 145. His research has been recognized through prestigious awards including the Royal Irish Academy Gold Medal for Life Sciences (2012) European Federation of Immunology Societies Medal (2014) Landsteiner Award for biomedical sciences (2019) Listing in Clarivate's top 1% of immunologists (2018, 2019, 2022) . Commercial & Public Engagement: Co-founded biotech startups Inflazome Ltd (acquired by Roche) and Sitryx Ltd ($40m financing). He contributes to public science communication through a weekly radio show on Newstalk FM and authorship of two popular science books: Humanology (2018) and Never Mind the B*ll*cks, Here’s the Science (2020), the latter winning Ireland's Non-Fiction Book of the Year.

• Innate immunity
• Immunometabolism
• Signal transduction
• +4 more

Sascha Martens is a Professor at the Max Perutz Labs, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, specializing in autophagy mechanisms and cellular quality control. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of selective autophagy, including the roles of ubiquitin chains, cargo receptors, and membrane dynamics in processes like aggrephagy and mitophagy. Key projects include studying the interplay of cargo receptors in aggrephagy and the chemical reprogramming of autophagy receptors. He has led over 13 funded projects since 2011, with recent work on ubiquitin chain assembly and autophagosome biogenesis. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing membrane biology and proteomics. Martens has published 81 articles since 2004, with highlights in Science and Journal of Cell Biology . His work bridges biochemistry and cell biology, addressing fundamental questions in cellular homeostasis and disease mechanisms. He actively participates in conferences, presenting on autophagy mechanisms and ubiquitin systems.

• Autophagy
• Selective Autophagy
• Ubiquitin
• +3 more