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Didier Trono is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he leads the Laboratory of Virology and Genetics (LVG) within the School of Life Sciences. Formerly, from 2004 to 2012, he served as the founding dean of EPFL's Faculty of Life Sciences, orchestrating its development and growth during this formative period. Trono received his medical education at the University of Geneva, followed by clinical training in pathology, internal medicine, and infectious diseases in Geneva and at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His scientific career began at the Whitehead Institute of MIT, and in 1990 he was recruited by the Salk Institute of San Diego to launch an AIDS research center. After seven years in the United States, he returned to Europe and eventually joined EPFL. Dr. Trono's research has evolved significantly over his career. Initially focusing on virus-host interactions, he studied pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B virus, creating HIV-derived genetic transfer tools that are now successfully used in gene therapy. For approximately the last fifteen years, his research has centered on epigenetics, particularly exploring the impact of retroelements and their control mechanisms on development and physiology of higher organisms, including humans. His laboratory investigates how transposable elements and KRAB zinc finger proteins regulate gene expression, with important implications for understanding cancer biology and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a strong focus on transposable elements, KRAB zinc finger proteins, and their roles in gene regulation and cancer. His work combines molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics approaches to understand how these ancient viral remnants have been co-opted by the host genome to regulate development and cellular functions. The research spans basic molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy, with some recent work also addressing SARS-CoV-2 and immune responses. Throughout his career, Professor Trono has mentored numerous PhD students, including Bojkowska Karolina, Brandão Sanches Vong Martins Filipe Amândio, Bulliard Yannick, Coluccio Andrea, Corsinotti Andrea, Coudray Alexandre, De Tribolet-Hardy Jonas Caspar, and Dorschel Iris Arianna. His laboratory has received significant funding to support research at the intersection of virology, genetics, and epigenetics, contributing to EPFL's reputation as a leading institution in life sciences research. The Trono Laboratory continues to be at the forefront of research on retroelements and their regulatory mechanisms, maintaining a vibrant research environment that bridges fundamental biological questions with potential medical applications, particularly in cancer research and precision medicine.

• Epigenetics
• Retroelements
• Transposable elements
• +5 more

Pierre Vandergheynst is a Full Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) in the Department of Electrical Engineering, with a courtesy appointment in Computer and Communication Sciences. He serves as EPFL’s Vice-Provost for Education since 2015 and leads the Signal Processing Laboratory 2 (LTS2). His research spans harmonic analysis, sparse approximations, mathematical data processing, and applications in signal/image processing, computer vision, machine learning, and graph-based data analysis. PhD in Mathematical Physics (1998), Université catholique de Louvain Postdoctoral Researcher at EPFL (1998-2001) Assistant Professor at EPFL (2002-2007) His research explores geometry/symmetry in high-dimensional data, redundant dictionaries for dimensionality reduction, and computational harmonic analysis on manifolds. Recent work focuses on protein structure modeling, geometric deep learning, and graph-based signal processing. Key article trends include graph neural networks for protein analysis, geometric deep learning in neuroscience, and structured knowledge priors in neural models. His 2023-2025 publications emphasize interpretable AI, long-range dependencies in graphs, and molecular representation learning. Scientific Awards: IEEE Signal Processing Magazine Best Paper Award (2023) Signal Processing Society Best Paper Award (2022) Apple ARTS Award (2007) De Boelpaepe Prize, Royal Academy of Sciences of Belgium (2009-2010) He has supervised over 30 PhD theses and contributed to foundational work in graph signal processing, compressive sensing, and geometric deep learning. His lab develops tools for data science on non-Euclidean structures, with applications in medicine, astronomy, and wireless systems.

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Computational Harmonic Analysis
• +6 more

Prof. Knut Drescher is an Associate Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , leading a research group focused on bacterial biofilms , swarming , and microbial multicellularity . Previously, he served as a Professor of Biophysics and Max Planck Research Group Leader at Philipps-Universität Marburg (2015-2021) and conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton University. Research Interests: Physical and biological mechanisms of biofilm formation Cell-cell interactions in microbial communities Antibiotic resistance in biofilms Hydrodynamics of bacterial swarms Evolution of cooperation in multispecies biofilms Development of bioimaging software (BiofilmQ, BacStalk) Scientific Awards: 2023: SNSF Consolidator Grant 2019: Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize (DFG), VAAM Research Prize, IUPAP Young Scientist Prize 2016: ERC Starting Grant Advising & Grants: Advises PhD and Master's students in microbiology, biophysics, and bioinformatics Secured major grants from ERC , HFSP , and DFG

• Bacterial Biofilms
• Microbial Multicellularity
• Biophysics
• +5 more

Professor Urs Jenal is a Full Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he has led research on bacterial signal transduction since 2008. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of bacterial persistence and antibiotic resistance, with particular focus on pathogens causing chronic infections in humans. Previously, he served as Associate Professor (2002-2008) and Assistant Professor (1996-2002) at the same institution, and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University and ETH Zurich. Education 2000: Habilitation and VENIA DOCENDI in Microbiology, University of Basel 1987-1991: PhD in Molecular Microbiology, ETH Zurich (supervisor: Prof. T. Leisinger) 1982-1986: Studies of Experimental Biology, ETH Zurich 1977-1981: Gymnasium with Matura Type C, Chur Research Focus Prof. Jenal's research centers on understanding how bacterial pathogens persist in the human body despite antibiotic treatments. His laboratory investigates cyclic nucleotides, particularly c-di-GMP, as signaling molecules that control bacterial biofilm formation, virulence, and antibiotic tolerance. His team studies pathogenic Escherichia coli causing recurrent urinary tract infections and Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing long-term lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Recent work has revealed how "sleeping" bacteria survive antibiotic treatments and how pathogens breach respiratory epithelia through goblet cell invasion. Scientific Recognition 2014: Elected member of the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM) 2013: ERC Advanced Investigator Award 2012: Elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) 2011: Elected member of the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) Mentorship and Collaborations Prof. Jenal has mentored numerous PhD students and postdocs, many receiving awards for their research. His laboratory is part of the NCCR AntiResist initiative focused on developing novel approaches against antibiotic resistance. He collaborates extensively with clinical researchers and has developed innovative models, including human mini-lungs, to investigate pathogen-host interactions. His recent publications demonstrate how understanding bacterial persistence mechanisms can lead to new therapeutic strategies against chronic infections.

• Bacterial Signal Transduction
• Microbiology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• +5 more

Santiago F. González is a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland, and an extraordinary professor at the University of Italian Switzerland (USI). He earned dual PhDs in microbiology (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain) and immunology (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), followed by postdoctoral work (2007–2011) at Harvard Medical School's Immune Disease Institute under Michael Carroll. PhD in Microbiology, University of Santiago de Compostela PhD in Immunology, University of Copenhagen His research focuses on immune system dynamics during respiratory viral infections, vaccination, and cancer metastasis. Key areas include influenza recognition , lymph node inflammation , and immune cell behavior in vivo. He pioneered studies on C-type lectin receptors (e.g., SIGN-R1) in viral immunity and epigenetic modulators for inflammation. Recent publications highlight his work in epigenetic drug development , nanovaccines , and computational tools for immune cell tracking. His group uses two-photon intravital microscopy and spatial-temporal modeling to dissect immune responses. Scientific awards include three EU Marie Curie Fellowships (2004–2013), enabling his transition to independent research. His collaborations span Harvard, USI, and European institutions, with grants from the EU and Swiss research bodies. His lab at IRB, established via the 2013 Marie Curie Career Integration Grant , develops novel imaging approaches and therapeutic strategies for infectious and immune-mediated diseases.

• Immunology
• Virology
• Inflammation
• +5 more

Li Tang is an Associate Professor with tenure at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI) and the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMX) within the School of Engineering (STI). She leads the Laboratory of Biomaterials for Immunoengineering, focusing on developing innovative strategies at the intersection of immunology, materials science, and cancer therapy. Her work bridges fundamental research and clinical translation, with multiple ongoing clinical trials based on CAR-T cell therapies developed in her lab. B.S. in Chemistry, Peking University (2003–2007) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007–2012) Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT (2013–2016) Her research lies at the forefront of immunoengineering, integrating chemical, metabolic, and mechanical approaches to modulate immune responses. Key areas include cancer immunotherapy, immune metabolism, mechano-immunology, and biomaterials. She investigates how physical and biochemical cues can reprogram T cells, overcome exhaustion, and enhance tumor targeting. Her work emphasizes multidimensional immunity-disease interactions, aiming to develop safer and more effective therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering immune cells (especially CAR-T) for enhanced durability and function, using advanced biomaterials and metabolic reprogramming. There is a clear focus on overcoming challenges in solid tumors, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and translating findings into clinical applications. The use of nanoparticle delivery, single-cell analysis, and biomechanical cues are recurring themes across her work. Notable scientific awards include: Friedrich Miescher Award (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2018) MIT TR35 Innovators Under 35 (China Region, 2020) Nano Research Young Innovator Award (2018) Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator (2019) Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator (2020) Li Tang actively mentors PhD students across multiple doctoral programs (EDBB, EDMS, EDMX) and has advised numerous graduates who have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral and faculty positions. She is involved in significant research grants, including an Innosuisse project with Novochizol SA, and her lab is supported by competitive funding. She teaches core courses such as Immunoengineering and Next-Generation Biomaterials, shaping the next generation of scientists. Her lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with active projects in chemical, metabolic, and mechanical immunoengineering, as well as CAR-T cell development. She is the Principal Investigator of the Tang Lab, which includes postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and technical staff. The lab is actively recruiting and has a strong publication and clinical translation record. Tang Lab is also involved in multiple MA/BA training projects and promotes student engagement in cutting-edge research. The lab’s discoveries are being translated into clinical trials, reflecting a strong commitment to translational science.

• Immunoengineering
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Immune Metabolism
• +7 more

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.

• Bile acid signaling
• Nutrient sensing
• Intermediary metabolism
• +11 more

Jian Peng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on computational biology, machine learning, and their applications to protein structure prediction, drug design, and molecular modeling. He has contributed to advancements in antibody engineering, protein-ligand docking, and generative models for biological systems. Key research areas include: Machine Learning for Molecular Modeling Protein Structure Prediction Antibody and Peptide Design Genomics and Single-Cell Analysis Structure-Based Drug Discovery His work emphasizes integrating deep learning techniques with biological datasets to address challenges in precision medicine, drug development, and systems biology. Notable achievements include developing the FastFold system to accelerate AlphaFold training and pioneering flow-based methods for antibody design. Awards include the Overton Prize (2020), recognizing contributions to computational biology. His research has been published in top journals and conferences, spanning topics from protein mutation prediction to geodesic-based immune complex modeling.

• Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Urs F. Greber is an Ordinary Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at the Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Zurich. His research focuses on understanding how viruses interact with host cells, particularly adenoviruses and rhinoviruses that cause human respiratory diseases. He leads the Greber Lab, which investigates viral entry mechanisms, replication processes, and the cellular responses to infection. Greber's research interests span virology, molecular cell biology, and infection mechanisms. His lab explores how viruses take control over membrane and lipid functions, cytoplasmic transport processes, and cellular metabolism to support their gene expression and progeny formation. They employ system-wide profiling, molecular cell biology approaches, light microscopy, and machine learning for image analysis to map the cell state underlying viral infections of cultured and primary human cells, including lung organoids and iPSC-derived macrophages. A key focus is understanding cell-to-cell variability in infection phenotypes and the mode-of-action of antiviral compounds. The Greber Lab has published extensively on adenovirus biology, including viral entry, uncoating, nuclear import, and assembly mechanisms. Their recent work has identified broad-spectrum antiviral compounds, elucidated alternative virus entry pathways, and developed innovative imaging and AI-based approaches for quantifying virus infectivity. Their research contributes to understanding how viruses break down host defense barriers and has implications for antiviral therapy development. Greber has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students including Cornelia Bircher, Alessandro Savi, Franziska Tomas, Alfonso Gomez-Gonzalez, Anthony Petkidis, and Dominik Olszewski. His lab has received funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, including a grant for coronavirus research during the pandemic. The lab actively collaborates with other research groups at University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, and international institutions. Current projects include exploring how viral DNA interactions contribute to infection outcome variability, investigating adenovirus egress mechanisms, and developing high-throughput screening methods for antiviral compounds.

• Virology
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Virus-Host Interactions
• +8 more

Maartje Bastings is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , leading the Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory (PBL) within the School of Engineering (STI) . She holds additional affiliations with the Institute of Materials (IMX) , IBI-STI (Bioengineering), and supervises doctoral programs in Biotechnology and Biological Engineering ( EDBB-GE ) and Materials Science and Engineering ( EDMX-GE ). Her research focuses on DNA-based supramolecular materials engineered to achieve dynamic reciprocity —a two-way interaction between synthetic materials and biological systems. By leveraging DNA as a programmable scaffold, she investigates structural mechanics, valency control, and geometric constraints governing self-assembly and cell communication at bio-interfaces. Key applications include immune system modulation, diagnostics , and vaccine development . Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a focus on multivalent interactions for T-cell activation, spatial patterning in immune signaling, and engineered coatings for DNA origami stability. Subfields span T cell receptor engineering , nanoscale protein dynamics , stimuli-responsive biomaterials , and bio-inspired therapeutic design . PhD Students: Chen Yuduo Hendrickx Pauline Bart M. Kononenko Artem Li Shujie Lou Yameng Meyer Pitt Narita Minako Rousseau Benjamin Bila Hale Caroprese Vincenzo Comberlato Alice Kurisinkal Eva Eugene Paloja Kaltrina Rodríguez Franco Hugo José Tekin Cem Wong Siu Ho Contact: maartje.bastings@epfl.ch

• Biomaterials Engineering
• DNA Nanotechnology
• Supramolecular Materials
• +5 more

Vignesh Ram Somnath is a Professor in the Biosciences of Sports at the University of Hildesheim since 2018. Previously, he served as an Acting Professor (2016-2018) and Research Associate (2010-2016) at the Institute of Sports Science, German Sports School Cologne. His work bridges molecular biology with sports science, focusing on skeletal muscle adaptation. Current: University Professor W2, University of Hildesheim 2016-2018: Acting Professor, University of Hildesheim 2010-2016: Research Associate, German Sports School Cologne 2005-2007: Research Assistant, German Sports School Cologne Research Interests: Regulation of molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle Mechanoprotective mechanisms during exercise Protein degradation dynamics Optimization of training and nutrition in competitive sports Integration of molecular biology with traditional sports science Key Publications (2020-2017) demonstrate expertise in: Metabolomics of muscle hypertrophy AMPK signaling in training Mitochondrial adaptations Extracellular vesicle analysis Calcium signaling pathways

• Sports Science
• Molecular Biology
• Exercise Physiology
• +3 more

Sai Reddy is an Associate Professor of Systems and Synthetic Immunology at ETH Zurich's Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) in Basel, Switzerland, where he leads the Laboratory for Systems and Synthetic Immunology. Since September 2018, he has served as Vice Director of the Botnar Research Centre for Child Health (BRCCH), driving child health innovation through interdisciplinary research. Education: Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Engineering) from Northwestern University (2003) Master of Science (Biomedical Engineering) from Northwestern University (2004) Ph.D. (Bioengineering and Biotechnology) from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) (2008), supervised by Prof. Melody Swartz and Prof. Jeffrey Hubbell Post-doctoral fellowship under Prof. George Georgiou at the University of Texas, Austin (2008) His research pioneers the integration of computational modeling and cellular engineering to decode immune complexity. Systems Immunology employs quantitative measurements and machine learning to analyze adaptive immunity through antibody repertoire sequencing, while Synthetic Immunology reprograms immune cells via molecular engineering for cellular immunotherapy and directed evolution applications. Both fields converge on immunogenome manipulation to advance therapeutic design. Scientific Awards: KPMG tomorrow’s market award (2007) for nanoparticle vaccine technology As principal investigator, Prof. Reddy mentors graduate researchers in his laboratory; no specific advisees or grant awards are detailed in the text. His leadership at BRCCH amplifies translational impact on child health, though operational grant mechanisms remain undisclosed. The Laboratory for Systems and Synthetic Immunology operates from ETH Zurich's Basel campus at Klingelbergstrasse 48, Switzerland, focusing on high-throughput sequencing and synthetic biology methods to engineer immune responses.

• Systems Immunology
• Synthetic Immunology
• Antibody Repertoire Sequencing
• +5 more

Daniel Sage is a Lecturer and Scientific Advisor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , affiliated with the Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (LIB) under the College of Engineering (STI) and School of Life Sciences (SV) . He specializes in bioimage informatics , structured-illumination microscopy , and deep learning applications for biomedical imaging. His work spans algorithm development for single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) , fluorescence imaging , and 3D reconstruction . His research group has developed open-source tools like FlexSIM for light inhomogeneity correction, DeepImageJ for integrating deep learning in ImageJ, and Steer'n'Detect for orientation-accurate template detection. His publications focus on correcting multiple-blinking artifacts in PALM, optimal transport metrics for SMLM evaluation, and contextual feature analysis for xenograft cell classification. He mentors PhD students and contributes to interdisciplinary education through courses such as Bioimage Informatics and Fundamentals of Image Analysis , emphasizing practical software solutions and Java programming for bioimage processing. His collaborations include institutions like Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) .

• Biomedical Imaging
• Image Processing
• Deep Learning Applications
• +5 more

Luca Varani is a Professor and Group Leader of the Structural Biology group at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), affiliated with the Università della Svizzera italiana in Bellinzona, Switzerland. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of antibody-pathogen interactions and engineering novel therapeutic antibodies. Education: Chemistry degree from University of Milan, PhD from MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology (University of Cambridge) Former postdoc at Stanford with EMBO fellowship Founder of CLBiotech (2022), a nanobody discovery and engineering startup Varani's research spans structural biology, immunology, and biophysics with emphasis on viral pathogenesis and antibody engineering. His work combines experimental and computational approaches to study antibody-antigen interactions, particularly against emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, Zika, and Dengue viruses. His group has pioneered structure-guided antibody engineering techniques that have led to multiple high-impact publications in journals like Nature, Cell, and Science. Analysis of Varani's recent publications reveals a strong focus on SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses, with significant contributions to understanding neutralizing mechanisms, viral escape, and therapeutic antibody development. His work also extends to prion diseases, cancer immunology, and flaviviruses, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach that bridges structural biology with translational medicine. As a reviewer for high-impact journals and international granting agencies, Varani contributes significantly to the scientific community. He also serves as an evaluator for European startup accelerator programs and consults for antibody biotechnology companies, translating academic research into practical applications. Varani leads a highly multidisciplinary research team that employs techniques ranging from NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography to cellular assays and computational modeling. His laboratory has been instrumental in developing bispecific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens, with several candidates advancing toward clinical trials.

• Structural Biology
• Antibody Engineering
• Viral Pathogenesis
• +4 more

Yen-Cheng Liu is a former researcher at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences (BIOS) and multiple departments including LCOM and CMI. His work focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and cancer biology. Key research areas include nanoplasmonic biosensors, single-cell analysis, optofluidic systems, and cancer immunology. He holds collaborations with institutions like the University of Lausanne and the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV). His research emphasizes real-time monitoring of cellular secretions, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and diagnostic platform development for pathogens and genetic diseases. Notable contributions include high-throughput microarray technologies for single-cell secretion profiling and optofluidic platforms for molecular diagnostics. Liu’s publications span journals like Advanced Science , Advanced Functional Materials , and Biosensors and Bioelectronics . His work integrates engineering principles with biological systems to address challenges in precision medicine and cancer therapy.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Research
• +3 more