Aleksandar Jeremic is an Associate Professor in both the Electrical & Computer Engineering department and the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University. His research focuses on biomedical signal processing, statistical signal processing, and biometrics, with applications in healthcare and biomedical systems. He holds a Dipl. Ing. from the University of Belgrade, and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His expertise spans physiological signal analysis (e.g., ECG/EEG), medical imaging, and machine learning for biomedical applications. He has authored over 50 technical articles and two book chapters, and has been recognized with a teaching award from the McMaster Electrical and Computer Engineering Society (2018). He supervises graduate students in both theoretical and applied research areas. Dr. Jeremic teaches advanced courses such as Biomedical Signal Modeling and Processing and Advanced Probability and Random Processes , emphasizing practical applications of signal processing in healthcare. His work includes clinical implementations like neonatal seizure monitoring software and microwave imaging for breast cancer detection.
Zainab Taleb is affiliated with the University of Windsor, contributing to research in circadian biology and its implications for digestive health. Her work focuses on the interplay between circadian rhythms, intestinal stem cells, and disease mechanisms such as colitis and tumor initiation. She participated in a university panel addressing vaccine hesitancy related to the pandemic response. Research emphasizes circadian clock genes like BMAL1 and their role in metabolic and inflammatory processes. Collaborations may involve interdisciplinary teams studying chronobiology's impact on gastrointestinal disorders and oncology. Her studies utilize animal models to investigate timing-dependent physiological responses, with potential applications in therapeutic timing strategies.
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.
Wing Lam is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Pharmacology at the Yale School of Medicine. He holds a BSc in Molecular Biology and a PhD in Biochemical Pharmacology from City University of Hong Kong, followed by postdoctoral training at Yale. His research focuses on developing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations as adjuvants for cancer therapy, notably YIV-906, which enhances chemotherapy efficacy and mitigates intestinal toxicity. Lam also pioneered the STAR database for herbal drug discovery and the Mechanism-Based Quality Control (MBQC) platform for botanical drug standardization. Education: BSc (Hons) Molecular Biology, City University of Hong Kong, 1995 PhD Biochemical Pharmacology, City University of Hong Kong, 1999 Postdoc, Pharmacology, Yale University, 1999-2002 His research interests span cancer pharmacology, TCM modernization, and mitochondrial toxicity mechanisms. Key projects include YIV-906’s role in enhancing anti-PD1 and CAR T-cell therapies, developing L-nucleoside analogs like troxacitabine, and investigating tylophorine analogs’ antitumor effects. Lam has co-chaired sessions at multiple Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine (CGCM) meetings and contributed to patents on herbal drug formulations and quality control methods. Recent work explores YIV-906’s potential for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and phase II clinical trials for colon and liver cancers. Lam’s publications highlight synergistic drug interactions, mitochondrial DNA depletion mechanisms, and TCM’s evidence-based application in chronic diseases. His grants include studies on PHY906 as an adjuvant in rectal cancer therapy and collaborations with Yiviva, Inc. He maintains active roles in editorial boards, including a special issue on herbal drug quality control in Frontiers in Pharmacology . Lam’s lab is embedded within Dr. Yung-Chi Cheng’s group, focusing on translational pharmacology and botanical drug innovation.
Jürgen König is a full professor at the Department of Nutritional Sciences , University of Vienna, leading the Research Professorship Specialized Human Nutrition . His work bridges psychological and physiological dimensions of eating behavior, with additional focus on population-level nutritional assessment in Austria. Academic Rank: Professor Department: Nutritional Sciences Research Focus: Hunger/satiety mechanisms, Public health nutrition, Food safety Key research themes include: Psychological drivers of eating behaviors (stress, food craving, sensory cues) Physiological regulation of nutrient homeostasis National nutrition surveys assessing dietary patterns Caloric restriction and metabolic adaptation Child and adolescent hydration/nutrition policies Recent publications highlight: Mechanistic studies on caloric restriction effects (2025) Pandemic impacts on school nutrition (2024) Global obesity/diabetes trends analysis (2024) Behavioral nudging in food selection (2024) Microbiota's role in dietary interventions (2023) Contact: juergen.koenig@univie.ac.at | Sekretariat: sekretariat.ew@univie.ac.at
Laura Solt, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter, Florida. She also serves as Associate Dean of the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. Dr. Solt began her independent research career at Scripps Florida in 2013 and has established herself as a leading researcher in nuclear receptor biology within the immune system. Her research focuses on understanding the biologically relevant roles of nuclear receptors, particularly RORα and REV-ERBs, in the immune system with emphasis on TH17 cell development and autoimmune disease. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, genetic techniques, and chemical biology coupled with mouse models of autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. Dr. Solt's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how nuclear receptors regulate immune cell function, particularly in TH17-mediated inflammation. Her work has demonstrated roles for RORα and REV-ERBs in TH17 cell development and has developed synthetic ligands to these receptors for potential therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases. Her extensive publication record shows a clear trajectory of research focused on nuclear receptor signaling in immunity, with recent work expanding into applications for cancer immunotherapy, neuroimmunology, and metabolic aspects of immune cell function. Her articles demonstrate expertise in both basic nuclear receptor mechanisms and translational applications. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (2010-2013) Dr. Solt actively mentors graduate students including Adrianna Wilson (recipient of NIDDK F31 and Scheller Graduate Student Fellowship) and Sarah Mosure (recipient of NIH NRSA F31 award and Wendy Havran award). Her laboratory receives substantial funding from multiple NIH institutes (NIDDK, NCI, NIAID, NIGMS) as well as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Current research directions include investigating the roles of NR2F6 in TH17 cells, exploring RORα function in CD8 T cells, and developing novel nuclear receptor modulators for therapeutic applications.
Joseph P. Bressler is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University, jointly affiliated with the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. He is a member of the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and conducts research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. His work bridges public health, neuroscience, and molecular toxicology, focusing on environmental impacts on brain development. Education: PhD, Rutgers University, 1978 Dr. Bressler’s research centers on neurotoxicology, particularly how environmental pollutants such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum disrupt metal transport systems and affect neurodevelopment. His laboratory investigates the role of iron and other metal transporters at the blood-brain barrier and in glial cells, revealing mechanisms of metal uptake and toxicity. His work has implications for understanding autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. His recent publications highlight ongoing research into metal homeostasis, cytotoxicity in cancer and neuronal cell lines, e-cigarette aerosol variability, and epigenetic changes in sex chromosome aneuploidies. The research spans molecular mechanisms, in vitro models, and human health outcomes, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to environmental health. Scientific Contributions: Elucidated how lead and cadmium hijack iron transporters to enter the brain Demonstrated aluminum activation of iron uptake pathways in glial cells Investigated flavoring agents like ethyl maltol in enhancing metal toxicity Explored epigenetic and behavioral impacts in rare genetic conditions Dr. Bressler has advised numerous researchers and collaborators across disciplines. His work has been supported by federal and institutional grants, though specific funding details are not provided in the source text. He actively publishes in high-impact toxicology and environmental health journals, with research cited in policy and public health discussions. He leads a research laboratory focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity, utilizing in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier, astrocytes, and neuronal cell lines. His team collaborates widely across neuroscience, public health, and environmental engineering domains.
Thomas Winkler is an Associate Professor at the Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, and collaborates with TU Braunschweig, Germany. His research focuses on solving life science challenges using microsystems tools, particularly in neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. He develops organ-on-chip models, engineered microfluidic platforms, and biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics. Winkler leads an interdisciplinary ERC-funded team addressing metabolic coupling in neurovascular units and oxidative stress biomarkers. Key achievements include the ERC Starting Grant (2023) and work on electrochemical sensors for clozapine monitoring. He teaches courses such as Microsystem Technology (EK2350) and supervises PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Current projects include machine learning-guided robotic organoid maturation and electrochemical technology development for the CHIPzophrenia initiative. His lab actively seeks talent through open positions in Stockholm and Braunschweig. Scientific awards include the ERC Starting Grant and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship. Research spans sensor development, microfabrication, and biomaterials, with a focus on translating lab technologies to clinical applications. Collaborations bridge engineering and life sciences, emphasizing personalized mental healthcare solutions.
Adam C Stein is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, specializing in gastrointestinal disorders of the small bowel. He provides clinical care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, with expertise in Crohn's disease, celiac disease, intestinal failure, and malnutrition management. Education: MD from University of Illinois, Chicago (2007) Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Chicago (2010) Fellowship in Gastroenterology at University of Chicago (2013) Fellowship in Nutrition at University of Chicago (2014) Dr. Stein's research focuses on small bowel pathologies including obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, cystic fibrosis-related GI complications, and advanced endoscopic techniques like video capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy. His clinical work emphasizes nutritional support through parenteral nutrition and tube feeding for complex malabsorption syndromes. Recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate concentrated research on gastrointestinal manifestations in rare diseases (nephropathic cystinosis) and cystic fibrosis, with particular attention to nutritional management barriers and drug safety profiles in inflammatory bowel disease therapies. No scientific awards are listed in the current profile. Information regarding student advising and research grants is not specified in available materials, though Dr. Stein maintains active industry collaborations through consulting roles with AbbVie, Amgen, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. As a member of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr. Stein collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across Northwestern Medicine's academic hospitals, contributing to clinical committees including the ACG Training Committee (2017-2023) and editorial boards such as Current Gastroenterology Reports (2019-2023).
Kristina Schoonjans is an Associate Professor at EPFL’s School of Life Sciences, where she leads the Laboratory of Metabolic Signaling (UPSCHOONJANS). Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bile acid signaling, nutrient sensing, and intermediary metabolism, particularly in the context of metabolic disorders such as obesity, fatty liver disease, and cancer. She investigates how the liver-gut-brain axis integrates metabolic signals through nuclear receptors and mitochondrial dynamics. Her research interests include: Bile acid signaling and its role as a hormonal regulator Nutrient and metabolite sensing in energy homeostasis Intermediary metabolism and metabolic disorders Role of nuclear receptors (e.g., TGR5, LRH-1) in liver, gut, and adipose tissue Mitochondrial dynamics and fission in metabolic regulation Organoid models for studying liver and intestinal metabolism Systems genetics using BXD mouse populations The most recent articles highlight a strong focus on bile acid signaling, particularly through TGR5 and LRH-1, in regulating metabolic health. Themes include the conversion of white fat to beige fat (beiging), hepatic tumorigenesis, mitochondrial fission, and the use of organoid and genetically engineered mouse models. There is a consistent emphasis on translational applications for obesity, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Scientific honors include: Windaus Prize from the Dr. Falk Foundation (2010, shared with Johan Auwerx) for the discovery of the signaling/endocrine function of bile acids Prof. Schoonjans actively supervises PhD students and has advised numerous doctoral candidates who have since completed their theses. Her lab is supported by multiple grants from Swiss and international funding agencies, including the Swiss National Science Foundation, EPFL, CONACYT, and the Foundation for Health and Education. She teaches in several doctoral programs at EPFL, including Life Sciences Engineering, and contributes to education through the SSV and EDBB/EDCB/EDMS-ENS programs. The Schoonjans Lab brings together scientists, doctoral assistants, and technicians working on projects related to metabolic signaling. The team uses advanced techniques such as genetically modified mouse models, organoid cultures, and multi-omics (metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics) to study the liver-gut and brain-liver axes. The lab has a strong track record of high-impact publications and collaborations with institutions worldwide.
Elin Org is a Professor of Microbiomics at the University of Tartu's Institute of Genomics, where she also serves as Head of the Estonian Genome Centre and Vice Director of the Institute. Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to microbiome and genomic research. Education: PhD in Genetics, University of Tartu (2006) Master's Degree in Molecular Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of Tartu (2000) Bachelor's Degree, University of Tartu (1997) Classical Singing, Heino Eller Tartu Music School (1996) Professor Org's research primarily focuses on the intricate relationships between host and gut microbiota and their influence on metabolism and common complex diseases. Her work bridges microbiomics, genomics, and complex disease research, with particular emphasis on understanding how gut microbiome composition affects human health. She has pioneered research connecting long-term antibiotic usage with microbiota-dependent effects and has made significant contributions to understanding the role of gut microbiome in conditions such as gestational diabetes, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Her approach integrates advanced computational methods with comprehensive health data to uncover causal relationships in microbiome research. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating microbiome data with extensive digital health metrics, using machine learning approaches to identify microbial predictors of health outcomes. This work is increasingly focused on translating microbiome research into clinical applications for disease prediction and personalized medicine approaches, particularly in the context of the Estonian Biobank initiative. Major Scientific Recognition: 2025 National Science Award in medical and health sciences 2023 and 2022: Recognized among the world's top 1% most cited researchers by Clarivate Analytics 2020: Member of AcademiaNet, a portal for top female researchers 2017: EMBO Installation grant 2013: Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship Professor Org has secured substantial research funding as principal investigator for multiple significant projects, including 'DISCERN - Discovering the causes of three poorly understood cancers in Europe' (€245,466, European Commission) and 'Improving colorectal cancer screening and prediction using microbiome-based biomarkers' (€760,450, Estonian Research Council). She has served as an opponent for numerous PhD theses across European institutions, contributing to the development of emerging researchers in her field. As Head of the Estonian Genome Centre, Professor Org leads a multidisciplinary research team that plays a crucial role in Estonia's transition from biobanking to personalized medicine applications. She is actively involved in international collaborations through COST networks including INFOGUT (focused on in vitro colon models) and ML4Microbiome (statistical and machine learning techniques in human microbiome studies), positioning her at the forefront of global microbiome research initiatives.
John F. Brooks II is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton University, where he leads the Brooks Lab. His research focuses on the circadian regulation of host-microbe dynamics, particularly how the circadian clock interfaces with the immune system to maintain gut microbiome harmony. Education: Ph.D., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Walter S. and Lucienne Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences B.S., University of Michigan, Microbiology Research Interests: Dr. Brooks investigates how the circadian clock controls the rhythmic secretion of antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) in the small intestine and how persistent infections override these rhythms to sustain AMP production. His work integrates cell and molecular immunology, mouse genetics, and genomics to uncover mechanisms of circadian-immune crosstalk. This research has broad implications for disorders linked to circadian disruption, including obesity, diabetes, and chronic gut inflammation. Recent Publication Trends: His recent publications emphasize the coordination between microbial signals and host circadian rhythms in regulating innate immunity. Key themes include diurnal patterns in immune function, microbiota-driven immune modulation, and the physiological consequences of circadian misalignment in infection and disease. Scientific Awards: Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences (2024) Advising and Grants: Dr. Brooks mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, including Talia Akoh-Arrey and Urbashi Basu. His lab has received significant funding, notably the Pew Biomedical Scholars Award, supporting innovative research at the intersection of immunology, microbiology, and chronobiology. Labs and Teams: The Brooks Lab at Princeton employs interdisciplinary approaches to study host-microbe interactions. The team collaborates with experts in immunology and circadian biology, including Lora Hooper and Joseph Takahashi, to advance understanding of temporal regulation in immunity.
Caitriona M. O'Driscoll is Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutics at University College Cork's School of Pharmacy, Ireland. With over four decades of academic experience, she previously served as Head of the School of Pharmacy at UCC from 2003-2009 and 2010-2013. Her established drug delivery research team spans from pre-formulation through to production and manufacture of prototype delivery systems suitable for clinical trial, with strong industry links underpinning many research projects. Her research interests focus on translational drug delivery with emphasis on 'problem' drugs including poorly water soluble compounds and biopharmaceuticals like peptide/protein drugs, plasma DNA and siRNA. She develops nano-sized delivery constructs that are robust enough to survive processing, stable on storage, and achieve cell/site specific delivery in vivo. Greater than 40% of new chemical entities are poorly water soluble Biopharmaceuticals now approach 50% of all new drugs in development Major barrier is design of efficient delivery systems Special focus on oral drug delivery despite challenges Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on targeted nanodelivery systems for cancer therapy, particularly prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's. Her work demonstrates expertise in cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles, siRNA delivery, and disease-specific formulations that account for conditions like Crohn's disease that affect drug delivery. Scientific awards include: 'Person of the Year award' by Parenteral Drug Association (Ireland Chapter) in 2013 'Award for Professional Excellence' by Helix Health in 2007/2008 'Award for Pharmacist of the Year' by Helix Health in 2007/2008 With €10.5M in career research income and 25 PhDs graduated, Professor O'Driscoll's work has attracted funding from diverse sources including Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and industry partners. Her research group maintains strong links with Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Process & Chemical Engineering at UCC, creating a unique strength for drug development research from design through to clinical trial. She has served as external examiner for multiple universities and as PhD thesis examiner at institutions worldwide. Her research team operates within UCC's drug delivery group, which has established expertise spanning from pre-formulation through to production and manufacture of prototype delivery systems. The group maintains strong industry connections and offers various PhD positions, focusing particularly on translational research with product-driven applications.
Professor Mirko Trajkovski leads the Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva. He completed his PhD at the International Max Planck School in Dresden (2005), followed by postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich, before establishing his lab at University College London (2012) and moving to Geneva (2013). His work focuses on adipose tissue plasticity , gut microbiota , and their roles in obesity , diabetes , and insulin resistance . Swiss National Science Foundation Professor (2014) ERC Starting Grant (2014) & Consolidator Grant (2019) Dr Walter Seipp Prize & Carl Gustav Carus Prize (2005) His lab investigates fat browning mechanisms , microbiota-host communication , and multi-tissue metabolic regulation using in vivo , in vitro , and human cohort approaches. Recent publications emphasize microbiome-based therapies , temperature effects on metabolism , and gut-bone-adipose crosstalk . Current advisees include PhD student Silas Kieser, with past members like Jing Xue, Salvatore Fabbiano, and Claire Chevalier contributing to immuno-metabolism and microbial engineering projects.
Jeffrey Beekman is a Full Professor at the University Medical Center Utrecht, specializing in translational research for chronic diseases through the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology. His work bridges basic and clinical research to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Education: PhD in Molecular Immunology (2004) Key Roles: Principle Investigator since 2010, co-founder of FAIR Therapeutics, Board Member of the Dutch Society for Stem Cell Research His research focuses on patient-derived organoid models to study disease mechanisms, validate therapeutic targets, and optimize drug development. Strategic programs include Child Health and Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells . Recent publications highlight his work on CFTR gene therapy, organoid-based drug efficacy testing, and host-pathogen interactions in CF. Collaborations span molecular biology, clinical pulmonology, and biotech translation. Key Techniques: Organoid modeling, RNA sequencing, Forskolin-induced swelling assay Diseases Studied: Cystic Fibrosis, Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
