Anders Bergström is a Lecturer at the University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences and a member of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation. His research focuses on evolutionary history using ancient DNA, analyzing genetic diversity in species like red foxes, red squirrels, dogs/wolves, and humans. Key projects include studying urban fox adaptations and red squirrel genetic rescue efforts, funded by the Royal Society and Leverhulme Trust. He leads the Philip Leverhulme Prize-winning research program in Biological Sciences (2023). His work combines archaeology, genomics, and ecology to unravel species’ histories, with high-impact publications in Nature and Science. Notable contributions include resolving canine ancestry, human migration patterns, and ancient plague research. Collaborations span global institutions, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to evolutionary biology. Current projects address genetic decline in red squirrels and urban environmental adaptations. He actively supervises PhD students through Doctoral Training Partnerships, emphasizing genetic rescue strategies and genomic conservation. Awards include the Philip Leverhulme Prize (2023), recognized across 123 news outlets and 285 Mendeley readers. His lab integrates ancient DNA analysis with modern genomic tools to address ecological and anthropological questions, bridging past and present biological systems.
Davide Dalmazzo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI) at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. He specializes in Roads, Railways, and Airports (SSD ICAR/04) and serves as the technical manager of teaching and research activities for asphalt binders at the High Quality Experimental Laboratory of Innovative and Recycled Materials for Civil Engineering Infrastructures. He has been affiliated with Politecnico di Torino since his post-doctoral research (2009–2014), progressing from Assistant Professor (2014–2017) to his current role. His research is centered on sustainable and innovative materials for transportation infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on asphalt technology, recycling, and rheology. Key areas include: Characterization and modeling of bituminous materials Use of recycled plastics and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) Development of sustainable pavement solutions Rheological testing and performance modeling of binders and mixtures Low-temperature behavior and fracture resistance of asphalt His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on circular economy principles in pavement engineering, particularly through projects like Green Roads, which explores plastic-modified asphalt. He frequently employs advanced testing methods such as the Monotonic Torsional Loading (MTL) test and contributes to RILEM standardization efforts. His work bridges laboratory research with practical applications in road construction and maintenance. Scientific contributions include: Co-inventor of a national patent on workability testing equipment for asphalt and granular materials Active participation in competitive and commercial research projects Regular publication in high-impact journals such as Construction and Building Materials , Materials , and Road Materials and Pavement Design Davide Dalmazzo advises several PhD students, including Davide Cimenti, Aliasghar Akbari Nasrekani, Joseph Nicolas La Macchia, and previously Sadegh Yeganeh. He is also involved in multiple research grants and contracts, particularly those focused on sustainable materials and infrastructure resilience. He leads or contributes to teaching in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in Civil Engineering, with courses on pavement engineering, rheology, and infrastructure maintenance. He is a key member of the Interdepartmental Center SISCON, focusing on infrastructure safety. He is actively engaged in laboratory research and leads experimental efforts in innovative material development, particularly for rural and low-volume roads. His work supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action).
Baltasar Escriche Soler is a Full Professor in the Department of Genetics at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universitat de València, Spain. He is a core researcher in the Univ. Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED) and leads the CPB Biotechnological Pest Control research group. His work is centered on the molecular mechanisms and agricultural applications of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins, including Cry and Vip toxins, for sustainable pest and nematode management. Research Interests: His research spans molecular entomology , biological pest control , genomics and proteomics of Bt strains , resistance evolution in insect pests , and toxin engineering . He investigates how Bt toxins interact with insect midgut receptors, how resistance develops, and how new toxins can be discovered and optimized for broader efficacy. His work has significant implications for integrated pest management and GMO safety. The most recent articles (2020–2025) reveal a strong trend toward genomic and proteomic discovery of novel pesticidal proteins , enhancement of toxin delivery via encapsulation , and expanding Bt applications to nematodes . His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on both fundamental mechanisms and practical agricultural solutions, with increasing emphasis on multi-omics approaches and cross-species toxin evaluation. Scientific Contributions: Over 80 peer-reviewed publications on Bt toxins and resistance. Key role in EU-level working groups on GMOs and Bt resistance management. Supervision of PhD theses and research projects in biotechnological pest control. Advising and Grants: While specific student names and grant details are not listed, his leadership of a research group and PhD supervision indicate active mentoring and likely success in securing competitive research funding. His involvement in collaborative projects and working groups suggests strong national and international networks. Labs and Teams: He leads the CPB Biotechnological Pest Control group at BIOTECMED, focusing on molecular and applied aspects of Bt-based biocontrol. The team integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, genomics, and entomology to develop sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides.
Dr. Peter Oatley is a Lecturer at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Central Lancashire, where he teaches on the two-year accelerated Medical Sciences BSc course. His research focuses on protein translocation mechanisms, membrane protein structure analysis, and bacterial cell biology. He employs advanced microscopy techniques and investigates quality control processes in protein secretion pathways. Dr. Oatley's work spans molecular biology, microbiology, and biophysics, with particular emphasis on the Sec machinery involved in protein translocation and the structural organization of membrane proteins like polycystin-1. His recent studies include bacterial S-layer biogenesis and antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Clostridium difficile. His publications highlight interdisciplinary research linking protein dynamics, membrane interactions, and infectious disease processes. While no awards or grants are explicitly mentioned, his contributions to understanding protein secretion and bacterial physiology demonstrate sustained scholarly engagement.
Lu Xihong is a Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University. He holds a PhD from the same institution and has held academic positions since 2013, progressing from Lecturer to Associate Professor, and ultimately to his current rank of Professor since 2019. His research focuses on nano-energy materials, electrochemical energy storage devices (e.g., supercapacitors, aqueous metal-ion batteries, electrocatalysis), and microbial fuel cells. He has been awarded multiple national and provincial grants, including the National Excellent Young Scientists Fund Project and Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Projects. Lu has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles in top journals such as Advanced Materials , Angewandte Chemie International Edition , and ACS Energy Letters , with a focus on energy storage materials and electrochemical systems. Education: PhD in Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University (2008–2013) Joint PhD in Chemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz (2011–2013) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University (2004–2008) Research Highlights: Key projects include developing high-energy-density supercapacitors, stable bismuth-based batteries, and advanced electrocatalysts for water splitting. His work emphasizes surface engineering of nanomaterials and functional composites. Awards: Notable recognitions include the 2017 Guangdong Province Teaching Achievement Award (5th contributor), 2015 Guangdong Natural Science Award (3rd contributor), and 2013 China Youth Science and Technology Innovation Award. Grants & Projects: Over 10 funded projects, including National Natural Science Foundation of China grants, NSFC-Shanxi Joint Funds, and provincial innovation programs. He also leads collaborations with industry partners like Electric Power Research Institute of Guangdong Power Grid. Labs & Teams: Leads research groups focused on electrochemical energy storage at Sun Yat-sen University, with a dedicated lab website: http://ce.sysu.edu.cn/electrochemistry/ .
Dr. Thomas Pfohl is a Responsible Investigator at the Institute of Physics within the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg , specializing in Experimental Polymer Physics . His research focuses on soft matter physics, microfluidics, and biophysics, with projects such as resilient hierarchical microfluidic networks and adaptive materials systems. He supervises doctoral researchers Efstathios Mitropoulos and Abhishek Srivastava. His work integrates advanced techniques like microfluidics and X-ray scattering to study material behavior under dynamic conditions. **Research Interests:** His expertise spans Soft matter physics and hierarchical materials Microfluidic networks for adaptive processes (e.g., self-repair, fuel transport) Biophysical systems, including bacterial motility and cell appendage dynamics Mechano-responsive materials and drug delivery systems His publications emphasize adaptive material design and biological fluid dynamics , with recent studies exploring membrane buckling, nanoparticle trapping, and polymer crystallization. While no awards are explicitly listed, his contributions to livMatS and interdisciplinary collaborations highlight his impact in materials science. **Advising & Infrastructure:** Dr. Pfohl leads the Experimentelle Polymerphysik group and contributes to the livMatS initiative. He utilizes cutting-edge facilities like the IDEASfactory@FIT and Writer's Studio for training and innovation.
Antti Rissanen is an Academy Research Fellow at the University of Jyväskylä's Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Jyväskylä (2012) and has been actively involved in research funding and academic advising. His expertise spans environmental microbiology, boreal lake ecosystems, and microbial processes related to methane cycling. Research interests include microbial communities in stratified lakes, methanotroph activity, and greenhouse gas dynamics. Recent work focuses on dark carbon fixation mechanisms and microbial genome analysis in boreal environments. He has advised multiple PhD and MSc students across Finnish universities. Key contributions include studies on methane conversion in freshwater ecosystems and organic matter impacts on lake sediment microbial structures. Awards include postdoctoral funding from the Academy of Finland (2015-2018) and grants from Maa- ja Vesitekniikan tuki ry and the Finnish Cultural Foundation. As a scientific advisor for the N-SINK EU project and member of the European Geosciences Union, he collaborates internationally. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable ecosystems.
Tobias Weidner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University. His research focuses on surface chemistry, protein structure analysis, and advanced spectroscopic techniques applied to biomedical and materials science challenges. Key areas include interfacial interactions, nanomaterial coatings, and protein aggregation mechanisms. He has contributed to studies on seed mucilage adhesion, anti-corrosion nanofilaments, and cryo-EM insights into amyloid polypeptides. Education details are not explicitly listed, but his affiliations indicate a strong background in physical chemistry and biochemistry. His work bridges fundamental chemical research with biomedical applications, particularly in material design for medical interfaces and molecular-level understanding of protein behaviors. Recent publications emphasize ultrafast chemical dynamics under UV irradiation and peptide design for tailored surfaces. His projects include the Aeromicrobiology initiative (ongoing until July 2025), exploring airborne microbial interactions with surfaces. No awards or grants are explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record reflects active research collaboration. He leads a lab focused on spectroscopic methods for biomedical and material systems, though specific team composition details are not provided.
Ramesh Adhikari serves as an Assistant Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Colgate University. His research focuses on developing sustainable electronic materials derived from biological sources, particularly exploring the electronic and surface properties of leaves and peptide-based nanostructures for applications in biodegradable devices. Dr. Adhikari's research interests center on sustainable electronics using bio-based materials that offer novel structural and functional properties with lower environmental impact. His lab, the Nanoscale Surfaces & Bio-based Electronics Laboratory, pursues two main research directions: studying aromatic amino acid-based nanostructures and developing leaf-based electronics for applications including wires, supercapacitors, and resistive memory devices. His work bridges materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental sustainability. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on sustainable electronic materials derived from biological sources. His research demonstrates how natural materials like leaves and amino acid structures can be engineered for electronic applications while maintaining biodegradability. The publications span multiple high-impact journals in materials science, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy, showing interdisciplinary collaboration with students and researchers across institutions. Dr. Adhikari has successfully mentored numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom have gone on to prestigious graduate programs at institutions including Northeastern University, Georgetown University, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, and University of Pennsylvania. His research has been supported by various internal and external funding sources, though specific awards aren't listed on his website. He teaches a diverse range of physics courses at Colgate University, from introductory courses like Electricity & Magnetism to advanced topics including Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics. His teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning pedagogical methods such as interactive demonstrations, think-pair-share, peer instruction, and collaborative problem-solving to make physics more accessible and engaging for all students.
Professor Ian Fallis is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Director of Research Innovation at Cardiff University's School of Chemistry. His research spans multiple areas of inorganic and coordination chemistry with applications in sensing, imaging, and catalysis. Professor Fallis's research focuses on the synthesis and coordination chemistry of macrocyclic ligands and polydentate Lewis acids. His work includes systematic syntheses of multi-metal redox active systems, immuno-histochemical imaging applications in clinical pathology, fundamental studies on chiral discrimination in solids and solutions, and the synthesis and properties of surfactants and chiral liquid crystals. His group's primary research theme involves the synthesis, reactivity, and applications of transition metal complexes, with a strong emphasis on multi-step organic and inorganic syntheses. Analysis of Professor Fallis's recent publications reveals a strong focus on luminescent transition metal complexes (particularly Ir(III) and Re(I)), molecular sensors, bioimaging applications, and mechanistic organic chemistry using advanced spectroscopic techniques. His work bridges fundamental inorganic chemistry with practical applications in medical imaging, antimicrobial development, and chemical sensing. Professor Fallis teaches several advanced chemistry courses including Bioinorganic Chemistry, Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry, and Bio-imaging Applications of Coordination Chemistry. He also teaches core modules on the reactivity of elements and research methods.
Professor Michael Manefield is a distinguished academic at the University of New South Wales, holding a position in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. With a PhD from UNSW completed in 2000, he has established himself as a leading researcher in environmental microbiology and bioremediation. His international research experience includes positions in Cambridge (UK), Copenhagen (Denmark), Kamaishi (Japan), and Oxford (UK), before returning to UNSW where he has held various prestigious roles including Senior Research Associate in the Centre for Marine BioInnovation and recipient of an ARC Future Fellowship. Professor Manefield's research spans environmental microbiology with a focus on applications in bioremediation and sustainable engineering. His work encompasses bacterial quorum sensing, biofilm formation, organohalide respiration, and microbial processes for contaminated site remediation. He has made significant contributions to the field including the discovery of the first bacterial quorum sensing inhibitors, development of RNA-based stable isotope probing, creation of experimental models for activated sludge floc formation, and identification of novel bacteria capable of degrading chloroform and isoprene. His research bridges fundamental microbial ecology with practical environmental applications. His extensive publication record shows a clear trend toward addressing contemporary environmental challenges, particularly PFAS contamination, heavy metal remediation, and sustainable waste treatment. His recent work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, combining microbiology with chemical engineering, materials science, and analytical chemistry to develop innovative solutions for environmental problems. The research spans from fundamental microbial processes to applied field studies, showing a commitment to translating laboratory findings into practical remediation strategies. August Wilhelm Scheer Visiting Professorship from the Technical University of Munich, Germany (2015) ARC FT2 Future Fellowship (2011-2014) Professor Manefield has graduated over 15 PhD students and acquired more than $20 million in research funding from government and industry sources. He is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers, with a focus on translating research into practical applications. He founded the Joint Academic Microbiology Seminars (JAMS Inc), which has grown from a Sydney-based initiative to include nodes across Australia and Southeast Asia, demonstrating his commitment to building research communities. Professor Manefield leads a dynamic research team focused on environmental microbiology and bioremediation. His laboratory investigates microbial processes for contaminated site remediation, with particular expertise in organohalide respiration and biofilm dynamics. He is also the founder of Micronovo/Novorem, a bioremediation company that translates academic research into commercial applications. His team maintains active collaborations with government agencies, industry partners, and international research institutions, working on projects ranging from fundamental microbial ecology to field-scale remediation demonstrations.
Professor Sim Reaney is a leading catchment hydrologist at Durham University , specializing in flood hazards and diffuse pollution across temperate, tropical, and mountainous environments. His research integrates simulation modeling with field measurements to advance understanding of hydrological connectivity and its role in environmental management. Professor in the Department of Geography Co-Director, Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (2025–present) His work focuses on: Hydrological processes in diverse climates Development of the SCIMAP diffuse pollution risk mapping toolset CRUM3 catchment hydrological model applications Climate change impacts on water quality and flood risk Nature-based solutions for flood mitigation Recent publications highlight applications in Java (Indonesia), Nepal, and the UK, with emphasis on tropical hydrology, high-resolution microbial pollution analysis, and climate-flood interactions. His modeling approaches have informed decision-making for Defra, Environment Agency, and international stakeholders. Scientific awards include: RCUK Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (2007–2012) Multiple grants from NERC , UK Space Agency , and GCRF Current supervision includes PhD projects on flood risk reduction in Nepal, Java, and water quality modeling in the UK.
Annalisa Ferretti is an Associate Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, specializing in the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences. Her research focuses on paleontology, biostratigraphy, and geochemical analysis of conodonts, with a particular emphasis on their role in understanding paleoenvironmental changes and diagenetic processes. Research Interests: Paleoecology, Sr isotope stratigraphy, fossil diagenesis, deep-sea vertebrate evolution, and ironstone formation mechanisms. Teaching: Courses in Paleoclimatology, Paleontology, and Evolution for Geosciences and Natural Sciences programs. Her scientific work spans from Cambrian bioapatite studies to Late Triassic conodont evolution, with notable contributions on mineralization processes, extinction events, and planetary analogs for Martian spherules. She also participates in academic governance initiatives related to inclusive education. Notable Publications: Investigations on conodont apatite isotopes, Devonian extinction dynamics, Eocene iron ooid genesis, and paleoclimatic reconstructions using fossil proxies. Office: Via Campi 103, Modena. Student Reception: Fridays 9:00-10:00 AM by prior telephone arrangement.
Sabrina Pacor is an Associate Professor in Applied Biology (BIO/13) at the University of Trieste , where she teaches Pharmacology in the Pharmacy LM and STB BSc programs. With over 30 years of research experience in experimental oncology and host defense peptides, she has made significant contributions to studying antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their interactions with bacterial membranes. Her research focuses on: Direct antimicrobial activity of AMPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria Indirect immunomodulatory effects of host defense peptides Development of drug delivery systems using nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles) Mechanistic studies of ruthenium-based antimetastatic drugs She leads extensive cytofluorimetry research using flow cytometry platforms, particularly for evaluating: Cytotoxicity (necrosis/apoptosis, proliferation index) Modulation of host biological responses (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, ROS production) Peptide-bacterial membrane interactions through fluorescent labeling Her recent work demonstrates trends in: Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides against ESKAPE pathogens Hybrid antibiotic design (peptide-aminoglycoside conjugates) Structure-activity relationships in membranolytic peptides Evolutionary insights into defensin and cathelicidin families Prof. Pacor has co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and actively mentors students, having supervised: 70 experimental/thesis reviews for Pharmacy/CTF Master's students 20 Bachelor's degree theses
Professor Zinn Manfred serves as a Professor HES Ordinaire and leads the Biotechnology and Sustainable Chemistry research group at HES-SO Valais-Wallis, specifically within the Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie (School of Engineering) in the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences. His work focuses on developing sustainable biopolymer solutions with emphasis on biodegradable materials that can replace conventional plastics. Professor Zinn's primary research interests center around biotechnology and sustainable chemistry, particularly in the field of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and other bioplastics. His work spans microbial biosynthesis of biopolymers, process analytical technology for bioreactor monitoring, biocompatibility testing, and the development of sustainable production methods using renewable resources. His research addresses critical environmental challenges related to plastic pollution by developing biodegradable alternatives with applications in biomedical engineering, packaging, and other industrial sectors. He investigates both fundamental microbial metabolism and applied industrial scale-up challenges, working at the intersection of microbiology, polymer science, and process engineering. Analysis of Professor Zinn's publication record reveals a strong focus on advancing biodegradable polymer technology, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). His work spans fundamental research on microbial biosynthesis mechanisms, enzyme engineering for improved polymer production, and practical applications of bioplastics in industrial settings. A significant portion of his recent work addresses the challenges in scaling up bioplastic production and bringing these materials to market, including metallization techniques for biodegradable plastics, continuous production methods, and value chain analysis for commercialization. His research demonstrates an integrated approach that combines microbiology, polymer chemistry, and process engineering to develop sustainable materials solutions. Prime de soutien au montage de projets Innosuisse - projet "Biosynthesis of Chlorella" (2019-2024) FNS IZJFZ2_185638 / 1 Electroplating processes for biodegradable materials (2019-2023) ITV19socle_Online flow cytometry analysis of microbial bioplastic production (2019) BIOFLEX, HES-SO Interdisciplinary Programme (2013-2015) Professor Zinn has secured significant research funding from multiple sources including Innosuisse, the Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS), and internal HES-SO grants. His projects typically involve interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers across Switzerland and internationally, such as with the Frauenhofer Institute and Chulalongkorn University Bangkok. He has supervised numerous research projects focusing on bioplastic production, characterization, and application development. His laboratory, the Biotechnology and Sustainable Chemistry research group, employs advanced techniques including flow cytometry for bioprocess monitoring, bioreactor systems for microbial cultivation, and polymer characterization methods. The group actively develops methods for producing PHA from various carbon sources, including waste streams and synthesis gas, with applications ranging from medical devices to sustainable packaging solutions.
