G. Petur Nielsen, MD is a Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and serves as Subspecialty Head, Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital . With a clinical focus on bone and soft tissue tumors, his expertise spans diagnostic pathology, molecular genetics of neoplasms, and ancillary testing applications. Research interests center on Pathology and biology of bone/soft tissue tumors Molecular genetics of bone and soft tissue neoplasms Chordoma and sarcoma research Epithelioid vascular tumor differentiation Mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract His work includes landmark studies on tumor misdiagnosis rates, immunohistochemical profiling, and genomic analysis of chordomas. Scientific contributions appear in leading journals like Nature and American Journal of Surgical Pathology , with major emphasis on Molecular tumor classification Mutational signature analysis Translational oncology Diagnostic accuracy improvement Genomic instability mechanisms
PD Dr. Klaus B. Tenberge is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Münster, Germany. His research focuses on molecular cytology of plant-pathogen interactions and cell wall biology , with a particular emphasis on Claviceps purpurea infections in rye and Botrytis cinerea interactions with tomato/bean plants. He has supervised numerous doctoral and state examination theses since 1992 and serves on the Münster State Examination Office for biology teaching positions. Education: Biology and Mathematics at University of Münster (First State Examination, Doctorate, Habilitation in Botany) Contact: Schlossplatz 7, Münster | tenberg@uni-muenster.de His research projects analyze host-pathogen dynamics using light/electron microscopy , immunogold labeling , and in situ hybridization , targeting mechanisms like cell wall degradation , active oxygen species , and scavenging enzymes . Key collaborations include work on Claviceps and Botrytis systems with DFG and EU funding. He contributes to scientific societies (German Botanical Society, German Society for Electron Microscopy) and peer-review for journals such as Molecular Plant Pathology and New Phytologist . Recent teaching includes modules on field biology , plant biodiversity , and electron microscopy .
Bill Faquin, MD, PhD is a Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and serves as a Pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital with subspecialty expertise in Head and Neck Pathology & Cytopathology. He is a key member of the Head & Neck and Endocrine Pathology Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, which handles over 10,000 surgical cases annually and accounts for more than 10% of the MGH Pathology Service case volume. Dr. Faquin is also affiliated with the Center for Head and Neck Cancers at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. Dr. Faquin completed his medical education at Harvard Medical School, followed by residency and fellowship training at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is board certified in Cytopathology and Anatomic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. His clinical practice focuses on cytopathology (particularly fine-needle aspiration cytology) and head and neck pathology, with special expertise in thyroid and salivary gland neoplasms. Dr. Faquin's research combines expertise in cytopathology and head and neck pathology to investigate key issues in the carcinogenesis of head and neck and thyroid neoplasia. His translational research focuses on the detection, diagnosis, and prognostication of cancers involving the thyroid and salivary glands, squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx, and tumors of the jaws and oral cavity. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in genomic analysis of thyroid carcinoma, molecular diagnostics, and consensus guidelines for mutational testing in thyroid cancer. His work shows a consistent trajectory toward integrating molecular pathology with traditional diagnostic approaches to improve cancer classification and treatment. Among his notable achievements, Dr. Faquin serves as Editor-in-Chief of Cancer Cytopathology, the premier cytology journal, and is the primary author of the Milan System for Reporting of Salivary Gland Cytopathology, which has become a standard reference in the field. These contributions represent significant recognition of his expertise and leadership in cytopathology. As an educator, Dr. Faquin participates in the training of pathology residents and fellows at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He is involved in the Head & Neck and Endocrine Fellowship program, which prepares pathologists for academic and clinical leadership roles. His mentorship has contributed to the development of pathologists who have gone on to faculty positions at leading institutions worldwide including the University of Chicago, Mayo Clinic, UCLA, and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Faquin collaborates extensively with the Head & Neck and Endocrine Pathology Division, which includes weekly Head & Neck Pathology Staff Conferences, Head & Neck Tumor Boards, and participation in Endocrine Oncology Conferences. His work bridges clinical practice, research, and education in head and neck pathology, contributing significantly to advances in diagnostic approaches and cancer management.
Prof. Dr. Rita Triebskorn is a Full Professor of Animal Physiological Ecology at the University of Tübingen since October 2024, following her role as Extraordinary Professor from 2006-2024. She serves as Group Leader at the Institute for Evolution and Ecology, Animal Physiological Ecology Section, and heads the Steinbeis-Transfer Center for Ecotoxicology and Ecophysiology in Rottenburg. Her research focuses on contaminant effects in freshwater ecosystems, particularly examining how pollutants impact fish and invertebrate health across biological levels from cellular to ecosystem scales. Her educational background includes: PhD in Zoology from the University of Heidelberg (1990) State examination in Biology and German Literature from the University of Heidelberg (1987) Habilitation from the University of Tübingen (1999) Research Scientist positions at University of Tübingen, University of Hohenheim, and LONZA Ltd, Basle and Visp, Switzerland Prof. Triebskorn's research spans aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicology with expertise in contaminant and stress effects in biota using biotests and biomarkers. Her work examines the effects of metals, organic pollutants, pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals on fish, molluscs, and other invertebrates. She employs histology, histopathology, enzymology, and behavioral analysis to assess contaminant impacts. Her laboratory investigates the mode of action of molluscicides and optimization of wastewater treatment plants to improve aquatic ecosystem health. She has pioneered research on combined stressor effects, particularly interactions between microplastics and pharmaceuticals in freshwater systems. Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent trajectory from organotin compound research in the 1990s to contemporary investigations of emerging contaminants including microplastics, antidepressants, metformin, and glyphosate. Her work demonstrates how these contaminants affect fish physiology, behavior, and development across multiple life stages, often examining complex interactions between multiple stressors. She has made significant contributions to understanding how wastewater treatment plant upgrades can improve aquatic ecosystem health, particularly through activated carbon filtration. Her scientific recognition includes: Appointed member of the Expert board for the assessment of micropollutants of the Federal Ministry of the Environment (BMU) since 2020 Member of the EU Working group Chemicals for derivation of UQN since 2020 Appointed member of the KBwS Commission for the assessment of pollutants hazardous to water since 2019 Member of RiSKWa Toxicology committee since 2013 Member of the steering committee of the BMBF funding framework Risk management of emerging pollutants since 2012 Member of standardization committees VDI/DIN Effects of environmental pollutants on wildlife animals – fish since 2009 Prof. Triebskorn has coordinated numerous major research projects including Glymic (2020-2023) on glyphosate effects in brown trout, Success control for the expansion of the Tübingen wastewater treatment plant (2018-2023), MiWa: Microplastics in the Water Cycle (2016-2019), Effect-Net (2015-2020), and several others dating back to 1995. She has served as coordinator for multi-partner consortia, including the RiSKWa consortium SchussenAktivplus with 21 partners (2012-2015). Her work has received substantial funding from BMBF, Ministry of the Environment of Baden-Württemberg, and UBA, reflecting the policy relevance of her research on water quality and contaminant effects. Her laboratory at the University of Tübingen employs a multi-level approach from molecular biomarkers to whole organism responses, with particular expertise in fish and invertebrate models. Current work emphasizes complex interactions between multiple stressors in aquatic environments and developing practical solutions for water quality improvement. The research has direct implications for environmental policy and water management practices in Germany and beyond.
Martha Pitman, MD is a Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and a Pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital . As Director of the Cytopathology Laboratory and Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Service , she leads a team of eight cytopathologists and oversees clinical, educational, and research activities. Research Interests: Her work focuses on pancreaticobiliary cytopathology , including the clinical utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy , preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic cysts , and development of international reporting standards. She is a principal author of the Papanicolaou Society System for Reporting Pancreaticobiliary Cytology and co-author of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Digestive System . Publications highlight her leadership in standardizing diagnostic criteria for pancreatic and biliary tract diseases, with a focus on mucinous cysts, intraductal papillary neoplasms, and molecular assessment of brushing specimens. She has contributed to consensus guidelines and systematic reviews on pancreatic pathology. Scientific Awards: President-Elect, American Society of Cytopathology Labs & Teams: At Mass General, she directs a Cytopathology Laboratory staffed by cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, and medical technologists. The lab is accredited for cytopathology fellowships and emphasizes quality patient care, education, and translational research in cytological specimen procurement.
Qiang Wang is a Researcher at the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, with expertise in plant taxonomy, systematics, and phylogenetics. His work focuses on the classification and evolutionary relationships of Lamiaceae and Campanulaceae families, employing molecular, morphological, and cytological approaches. He holds a PhD in Science and has held visiting scholar positions, including at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2016–2017). Research interests include: Phylogenomics of plant families using plastome and chloroplast data Taxonomic revisions of genera like Pseudocodon and Codonopsis Species delimitation in Lamiaceae and Campanulaceae Application of DNA barcoding and cytotaxonomy His publications emphasize integrative approaches combining genomic, morphological, and ecological data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and uncover evolutionary patterns. Notable contributions include descriptions of new species (e.g., Codonopsis atriplicifolia) and reclassification of plant groups based on molecular evidence.
Dr. Irina Solovei is a leading researcher in nuclear architecture and chromatin organization at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Faculty of Biology, Department of Human Biology and BioImaging). Her work focuses on the functional implications of chromatin spatial arrangement, particularly in rod photoreceptor nuclei and its evolutionary significance. Key Research Themes: Chromatin segregation, nuclear inversion as adaptive optics, transcription loops, heterochromatin dynamics, lamin interactions, and self-organization of nuclear structures. Students: Dr. Yana Feodorova, Dr. Susanne Leidescher, Dr. Katharina Thanisch, Dr. Congdi Song, Dr. Simon Ullrich. Publications: 15+ recent works on chromatin mechanics, transcriptional architecture, and evolutionary nuclear design in journals like Cell , Nature , and eLife .
Dr. Ramona Elena Irimia is a plant ecologist affiliated with the Institute of Evolution & Ecology at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Her research integrates fieldwork, common garden experiments, statistical modeling, and genomic tools to study how invasive plants adapt to environmental change across native and introduced ranges. She has held prestigious positions including a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2022-2023) and an FCT Fellowship during her PhD at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Current work explores herbarium collections and archival DNA to trace eco-evolutionary changes over time. Education : PhD in Biosciences (2016-2020), BSc & MSc in Ecology/Biology (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Romania) Grants : Research Seed Capital (2023), BMBF/Baden-Württemberg Ministry (2022-2023), DFG-NSFC (2020-2022), H2020-MSCA-IF (2022-2023) Research Interests revolve around Genomic mechanisms of plant invasions Climate change resilience in invasive species Evolutionary dynamics during range expansion Historical ecology via herbarium DNA Biogeographic comparisons of plant defenses Polyploidization in global invasions Scientific Contributions include studies on cross-continental ecological strategy shifts, phenotypic plasticity in knotweed, and the role of genetic admixture in reproductive compatibility. Her work reveals minimal genetic differentiation in invasive species despite global spread and challenges assumptions about polyploidization in invasions. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow (2022-2023) FCT Fellow during PhD She operates within the Institute of Evolution & Ecology , focusing on plant invasions through genomic and experimental lenses.
Stuti Shroff, MBBS, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and Assistant Pathologist in Anatomic and Molecular Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her clinical expertise spans gastrointestinal (GI) pathology, head and neck pathology, liver pathology, molecular pathology, and pancreatic cancer, with multilingual proficiency in Gujarati, Hindi, and Marathi. Education & Training: MBBS: Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College PhD: University of Illinois Chicago Residency: State University of New York at Buffalo Fellowship: MD Anderson Cancer Center (dual fellowships) Research Focus: Dr. Shroff investigates molecular alterations in GI/pancreaticobiliary neoplasia and immune-mediated GI injury. Her work bridges translational pathology with clinical oncology, emphasizing biomarker discovery and diagnostic refinement for gastrointestinal cancers. Key projects include profiling neoplastic proliferations and immune-related adverse events in the GI tract. Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2018–2025) demonstrate a focus on molecular mechanisms in gastrointestinal and hepatic malignancies, with recurring themes in cancer signaling pathways (e.g., Notch), tumor microenvironments, and diagnostic innovations. Studies frequently incorporate genomic, transcriptomic, and imaging approaches to advance precision oncology.
Ivan Chebib, MD is an Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and serves as Director of the Cytopathology Laboratory and Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is board certified in Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology by the American Board of Pathology and is certified as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. Dr. Chebib's educational background includes an MD from the University of Alberta, residency training at Foothills Medical Center, and fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital. His clinical focus encompasses cytopathology and bone and soft tissue surgical pathology. His research interests center on cytopathology and bone and soft tissue pathology, with particular expertise in immunohistochemistry. Dr. Chebib currently serves as the medical director of the Immunohistochemistry Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital. His publications span a range of topics including sarcoma diagnostics, bone pathology, and molecular characteristics of rare tumors. His recent work shows a strong focus on molecular pathology approaches to sarcoma diagnosis and classification, with publications in high-impact journals including Nature Medicine and Nature Communications. His research often addresses diagnostic challenges in bone and soft tissue tumors, with emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy and understanding molecular mechanisms. As Director of the Cytopathology Laboratory, Dr. Chebib oversees all types of cytologic specimens including gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology and fine needle aspiration biopsy services. The laboratory is staffed by eight cytopathologists, seven cytotechnologists, and other technical personnel, and is accredited for three cytopathology fellows. Dr. Chebib actively participates in teaching programs for residents and fellows at the hospital and medical school, contributing to the development of future pathology leaders. His work bridges clinical practice, diagnostic innovation, and research to advance the field of cytopathology and surgical pathology.
Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany
Prof. Dr. Eva Kiermaier leads the Immunology and Tumor Biology department at the Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) of the University of Bonn. Her research focuses on cytoskeletal components like centrosomes and microtubules in immune cell functions, particularly dendritic cells' roles in antigen presentation, migration, and T cell activation. She investigates how these structures enable immune cells to navigate complex environments and mediate adaptive immunity. Her work combines in vitro assays with live-tissue imaging and genome editing techniques. Notable contributions include studies on centrosome dynamics in immune cell navigation, microtubule regulation of immune synapse formation, and chemokine-guided dendritic cell trafficking. Her group also explores centrosome amplification's impact on immune effector functions and B cell development. Key collaborations include projects with the Bonner Forum Biomedizin and the LIMES Institute's transdisciplinary research units. Her recent studies highlight centrosome integrity's role in efficient cell migration, while older work has addressed p27 mutations in endocrine tumors.
Benoît Macq is a distinguished professor at the ICTEAM Institute , Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium. With over 350 publications spanning 1990–2025, his work bridges signal processing , medical imaging , machine learning , and data security . Key collaborators: Christophe De Vleeschouwer Simon K. Warfield Jean-François Delaigle Mathieu De Craene Research interests include: Adaptive algorithms for real-time model deployment and domain adaptation 3D reconstruction and medical image segmentation for radiation therapy Security in blockchain-based distributed learning systems Transformers for EEG classification and proton radiography Recent publications focus on foundation models in cytology and remote sensing, holonic multi-agent systems for VR, and secure codestreams for UAV object detection. His work emphasizes scalable architectures and privacy-preserving techniques in dynamic environments. Advising: Dani Manjah Antoine Aspeel Maxime Zanella
Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz Center for InformaticsGermany
Dr. Lauren Parsons is an Associate Professor of Pathology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Medical Director of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at Children’s Wisconsin. She holds leadership roles as Program Director for the Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Residency Program, Director of the Pediatric Pathology Fellowship, and serves as a central pathology reviewer for the Children’s Oncology Group Renal Tumor Committee. Her clinical expertise spans pediatric cytopathology, surgical pathology, placental pathology, and pediatric/perinatal autopsy. She actively contributes to pediatric renal tumor clinical trials and educational initiatives. Dr. Parsons completed her MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin (2009), followed by residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (2010-2015), a Cytopathology Fellowship (2013-2014), and a Pediatric Pathology Fellowship (2015-2016). Her research focuses on pediatric renal tumors, thyroid nodules/cancer, and minimally invasive biopsy techniques. She has co-authored over 12 peer-reviewed articles since 2020, emphasizing advancements in tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and international pathology collaboration. Her recent publications highlight innovations in pediatric renal tumor classification, TI-RADS diagnostic accuracy for thyroid nodules, and global pediatric pathology service delivery. She is a key contributor to multidisciplinary pediatric thyroid programs and pediatric oncology trials, aiming to improve diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes for rare pediatric malignancies.
PD Dr. Michael Hoppert serves as Academic Director at Georg-August-University Göttingen's Institute of Microbiology and Genetics since 2011, and Principal Investigator at the Courant Research Center Geobiology since 2009. He earned his venia legendi (Habilitation) in Microbiology from the same university in 2005 and has been affiliated with the Department of General Microbiology since 1993. His research focuses on microbial interactions with environments, including marine bivalve symbionts, fungal biofilms on rock substrates, and geochemical processes like mineral formation/dissolution. He employs advanced microscopy techniques alongside molecular biology methods. Research interests emphasize understanding microbial roles in extreme habitats and geochemical cycles, particularly through symbiotic relationships. His work bridges microbiology with geology and environmental science. Recent publications highlight studies on methane oxidation in mud volcanoes, microbial diversity in cultural heritage sites, and fungal signal transduction pathways. Despite no explicitly listed awards or grants in the text, his extensive academic leadership roles and publication record reflect significant contributions to the field. His lab is part of the Department of General Microbiology, collaborating on projects integrating cytology, biochemistry, and environmental microbiology.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Zachgo is a Professor and Director of the Botanical Garden at the University of Osnabrück, leading the Division of Botany. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms driving plant diversity, particularly the genetic regulation of plant development and adaptation. She uses model organisms like Arabidopsis thaliana , Marchantia polymorpha , and Riccia fluitans to study redox processes in developmental pathways and evolutionary transitions. Key areas include transcription factor networks, stress responses, and the evolution of terrestrial plant life. Her work integrates genetics, biochemistry, and advanced microscopy techniques such as superresolution imaging and FRET-FLIM. She has contributed to landmark studies on liverwort genomics and the Chara genome, advancing understanding of plant terrestrialization. As Botanical Garden director, she oversees conservation initiatives and public engagement in plant science. Publications highlight her expertise in developmental genetics, redox signaling, and evolutionary biology. Current projects explore developmental plasticity in amphibious liverworts and the role of redox regulation in adaptation. She collaborates internationally and mentors early-stage researchers, welcoming BSc/MSc students and PhD candidates.
