David Leigh is a Professor in Organic Chemistry at the University of Manchester , UK. He has held prestigious positions including the Sir Samuel Hall Chair (2014–present), Forbes Chair at the University of Edinburgh (2001–2012), and Chair of Synthetic Chemistry at the University of Warwick (1998–2001). His research focuses on synthetic molecular machines, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular knots. Fields of Scholarship : Synthetic molecular machines, Synthetic molecular knots and links, Supramolecular chemistry His work includes creating hydrogen-bonded molecular rotors , reversible rotary molecular motors , and artificial ribosome mimics . Article trends highlight nanotechnology , molecular engineering , and self-assembly advancements. Scientific Awards : Royal Society of Chemistry Pedler Award (2014), ERC Advanced Grant (2014), Bakerian Prize (2013), Tilden Prize (2010), Fellow of the Royal Society (2009), etc. Leigh has led groundbreaking projects funded by the European Research Council (2008, 2014) and held an EPSRC Senior Research Fellowship (2005–2010). His lab at the University of Manchester explores bottom-up molecular design and stimuli-responsive systems.
Christian Friedrich Wilhelm Becker is a full Professor at the University of Vienna, holding a position within the Faculty of Chemistry and the Department of Biological Chemistry. His research profile shows extensive activity in protein chemistry and biochemistry, with particular focus on post-translational modifications and their implications in disease mechanisms. His work bridges chemical biology, biochemistry, and biomedical applications, contributing significantly to the academic and research landscape at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna Department of Biological Chemistry Active research leader with numerous ongoing projects Significant publication record spanning multiple disciplines Professor Becker's research primarily focuses on protein chemistry, particularly post-translational modifications and their role in protein function and dysfunction. His work spans multiple interconnected areas including ubiquitination, protein aggregation, prion protein behavior, and biomimetic approaches to protein analysis. His research has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing novel therapeutic approaches. The fingerprint analysis of his work shows strong connections to biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemistry, with particular emphasis on cysteine chemistry, glycosylation, and amino acid modifications. Analysis of Professor Becker's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on protein modification techniques and their biological implications. His work shows increasing sophistication in chemical biology approaches to study protein function, with particular emphasis on ubiquitination pathways and protein aggregation mechanisms. The integration of chemical synthesis methods with biological analysis represents a hallmark of his research approach. His publications span high-impact journals in biochemistry, chemical biology, and peptide science, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his contributions. Professor Becker has received notable recognition for his research contributions, most prominently the Cathay Award in 2020. This award acknowledges his significant contributions to the field of protein chemistry and chemical biology. His work appears to have practical applications in therapeutic development, particularly in the areas of targeted protein degradation and immunotherapy, which likely contributed to this recognition. Cathay Award (2020) Professor Becker leads multiple significant research projects, including 'Targeted protein degradation - from small molecules to complex organelles' (2020-2024), 'Taktira: Development of an improved, low-side-effect and sustainable immunotherapy' (2019-2023), and 'Structure Zoom: Zooming in on protein functional sites with atomic resolution' (2018-2021). These projects demonstrate substantial grant funding and collaborative research efforts across multiple institutions. His active participation in 290 recorded activities through 2025 indicates a highly engaged research program with numerous collaborators and trainees. Targeted protein degradation project (2020-2024) Taktira immunotherapy project (2019-2023) Structure Zoom project (2018-2021) Professor Becker's research environment includes a robust team of collaborators and junior researchers, as evidenced by the numerous co-authored publications and activities. His work intersects with multiple research groups studying protein function, modification, and therapeutic applications. The international collaboration network shown in his profile indicates significant engagement with researchers across multiple countries, creating a dynamic research ecosystem focused on advancing protein science and its biomedical applications.
Professor Paul Midgley is a leading academic in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge's Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, serving as Professor since 2007 and Head of Department from 2018–2020. He is a Fellow of Peterhouse College and holds multiple prestigious awards, including the Royal Society Fellowship and the Ernst Ruska Prize. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Bristol, 1991), MSc (Distinction) in Semiconductor Materials (1988), BSc (Hons) Physics (1987). Administration: Director of the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite, and active on various University committees including Research, Teaching, and REF. His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques such as convergent beam diffraction, electron tomography, and nanostructure analysis, with applications in nanoscale materials science and 3D reconstruction using compressed sensing. He has pioneered methods like precession electron diffraction and multi-dimensional electron microscopy, contributing to fields like plasmonic nanoparticles and catalytic materials. Key Research Themes: Electron crystallography, nanomaterial characterization, energy materials, and defect analysis in perovskites. Midgley has delivered over 20 invited/plenary lectures globally, including at EUROMAT, the Welch Symposium, and the John Cowley Memorial Lecture. His grant income exceeds £16M as Principal Investigator. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite and collaborates internationally on microscopy advancements and materials innovation.
Dr. Sander J. Wezenberg is an Associate Professor at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, where he leads an independent research group focused on developing stimuli-responsive molecular receptors and self-assembling materials. He was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen in 2017 and moved to Leiden University in 2019 to establish his research group, where he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022. Dr. Wezenberg's educational background includes: Master's degree in Chemistry at the University of Nijmegen, conducting research in Prof. Roeland Nolte's group PhD in Supramolecular Chemistry at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) under Prof. Arjan Kleij (2011) Postdoctoral fellow with Prof. François Diederich at ETH Zurich Postdoctoral work with Prof. Ben Feringa at the University of Groningen His research focuses on using interdisciplinary approaches combining synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and photochemistry to develop systems that can study and manipulate biological processes. Key research areas include: Photodynamic control of anion binding and lipid bilayer membrane transport Creation of polymeric and self-assembled materials with switchable functions Development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents to improve human health Dr. Wezenberg's recent publications demonstrate strong trends in photoresponsive molecular systems for controlling anion transport and membrane properties. His work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biological applications, with particular emphasis on light-switchable molecular receptors and their applications in biological systems. Scientific awards and recognition: ERC Starting Grant (2018) Veni Grant from NWO (2014) Vidi Grant from NWO (2018) Member of the Young Academy of Europe (2020) Dr. Wezenberg actively mentors PhD and Master's students, with current advisees including Nol Duindam, Sabine Langens, Sofiia Emashova, Lin Xu, Dimitris Piperoudis, and Josien de Graaf. His research is supported by multiple funding sources including Leiden University, the European Research Council, the Dutch Research Council, and the China Scholarship Council. The Wezenberg Research Group is based at the Gorlaeus Laboratories in the new Gorlaeus Building at Leiden University, where they maintain a highly collaborative research environment focused on molecular switches, anion recognition, and dynamic supramolecular systems.
Alan Bovik is the Cockrell Family Regents Endowed Chair Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering. He also holds positions at The Institute for Neurosciences and serves as Director of the Laboratory for Image and Video Engineering (LIVE). With a career spanning over three decades at UT Austin, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (1984-1988) to Associate Professor (1988-1994) to his current position as Full Professor (1994-present). Dr. Bovik received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1984 from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Professor Bovik's research focuses on image and video quality assessment, visual perception, and digital media processing. He is renowned for developing groundbreaking algorithms including the Structural Similarity (SSIM) index, Visual Information Fidelity (VIF), and various blind quality assessment models like BRISQUE and NIQE. His work bridges engineering and neuroscience, creating perception-based models that optimize visual media delivery while reducing bandwidth consumption. These innovations have had profound industry impact, with his algorithms processing a significant proportion of global internet video traffic. His recent publications demonstrate continued leadership in perceptual quality assessment, with increasing focus on AI-generated content, high dynamic range (HDR) video, and novel applications in medical imaging. The research shows a clear trajectory toward more sophisticated, neural network-based quality metrics that better align with human visual perception across diverse content types. Professor Bovik has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to the field: John Fritz Medal (2024) IEEE Edison Medal (2022) IAMB BaM Award (2022) Elected to the United States National Academy of Engineering (2022) Technology and Engineering Emmy Award (2021) IEEE Fourier Award for Signal Processing (2019) Progress Medal from The Royal Photographic Society (2019) Named Honorary Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society (2019) Primetime Emmy Award (2015) Edwin H. Land Medal from The Optical Society (2017) As Director of the Laboratory for Image and Video Engineering (LIVE), Professor Bovik has secured substantial research funding from organizations including the National Science Foundation and the National Institute for Standards and Technologies. His lab has produced numerous influential datasets including the LIVE Image and Video Quality Databases. He has mentored many successful students who have gone on to make significant contributions in academia and industry, though specific student names are not provided in the source materials. The Laboratory for Image and Video Engineering (LIVE) under Professor Bovik's direction has become a world-renowned center for research in perceptual image and video quality. The lab maintains close collaborations with major technology companies including Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube, ensuring that research has direct practical applications. LIVE has developed numerous influential tools and databases that are widely used in both academic research and industrial applications worldwide.
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria
Fabian Pfrengle is a full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Institute of Organic Chemistry , Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). He previously led research groups at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (2013-2020) and worked at The Scripps Research Institute (2010-2013). Research Focus: His work bridges carbohydrate chemistry and plant biology , specializing in plant cell wall glycans and glycosyltransferases . He develops synthetic glycan arrays for enzyme characterization and investigates immune response triggering mechanisms in plants through oligosaccharide fragments . His projects include automated polysaccharide synthesis and liposome-based immune tolerance applications. Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles emphasize chemical synthesis of sugar nucleotides , plant glycan arrays , and enzyme specificity analysis , reflecting his focus on carbohydrate engineering and plant immunity . Key subfields include UDP-sugar derivatization , Xylan structure-function relationships , and Glycosyltransferase profiling . Grants & Projects: Currently leads 5 major projects including Automated Algal Polysaccharide Synthesis (EU-funded, 2023-2028) and Synthetic Glycan Ligands for Plant Immune Receptors (FWF-funded, 2022-2026). His research also explores thrombocyte biology and Rhamnogalacturonan-II fragments with support from FWF and City of Vienna . Community Service: Serves on editorial boards ( Monatshefte für Chemie , 2021-present) and as reviewer for 12 journals including JACS Au , Nature Communications , and Angewandte Chemie . Member of professional societies: Gesellschaft Österreichischer Chemiker (2020), Deutscher Hochschulverband (2019), and Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (2008).
Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .
Neil Champness is the Norman Haworth Professor of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. He holds a prestigious academic position following roles at the University of Nottingham, including Professor of Chemical Nanoscience (2004-2020). His research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, crystal engineering, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Champness leads a group pioneering studies on molecular self-assembly, surface chemistry, and functional materials. Education & Career - Began academic career with Teaching Fellowships at the University of Nottingham (1995) and Southampton (1994). - Became Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at Nottingham (1998), progressing to Reader (2003) and full Professor (2004). - Currently heads the Champness Group at Birmingham, established in 2021. Research Interests Champness’s work spans: - Design of porous materials (MOFs, HOFs) for gas storage and catalysis. - Surface self-assembly of 2D supramolecular frameworks. - Photoresponsive materials and molecular rotaxanes. - Chemical synthesis under constrained conditions. His group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, linking chemistry with materials science and nanotechnology. Awards & Recognition 2019: Elected Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences 2020: EPSRC Established Career Fellowship 2016: Royal Society of Chemistry Surfaces & Interfaces Award 2011: Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher 2006: Corday-Morgan Medal (Royal Society of Chemistry) Advisory Roles & Grants - Editorial roles include Chem, Crystals, and CrystEngComm. - Served on Royal Society panels, Irish Research Council, and IUPAC. - Secured major grants from EPSRC and Royal Society. Labs & Collaborations His Birmingham group collaborates globally, with visiting professorships in Japan, Australia, and Brazil. Research is supported by advanced facilities in crystallography and surface chemistry.
Jia Min Chin is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry , affiliated with the Institute of Functional Materials and Catalysis . Her research focuses on advanced materials, particularly Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Gold nanoparticles, and N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) chemistry, with applications in catalysis, environmental remediation, and sustainable technology. Her scientific work contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovations in functional materials and catalytic systems. Key projects include Breaking the ice – novel energy efficient hybrid de-icing systems and DYNAMOF: Electric Field Assisted Dynamic MOF Alignment , funded by major research grants. She received the prestigious ERC Grant in 2020 for her contributions to materials science. Chin's research spans MOF-based nanocomposites, photonic assemblies, and biomedical applications. Her publications highlight trends in Stimuli-responsive materials (electric/magnetic fields) Green catalytic systems Anti-icing and humidity-sensing coatings Cancer therapy platforms Scientific Awards ERC Grant (2020) She collaborates globally on cutting-edge topics like MOF alignment, nerve agent decomposition, and CO2 reduction, with recent activities including lectures at international conferences and workshops on material structuring.
Jean-Pierre Gattuso is a CNRS Research Professor at the Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (Sorbonne University) and Associate Scientist at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI-SciencesPo, Paris). His research focuses on the impacts of ocean acidification and warming on marine ecosystems, as well as ocean-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Current Roles : CNRS Research Professor, Associate Scientist at IDDRI-SciencesPo Past Positions : Research Professor at Shantou University (2006–2009), Visiting Scientist at Rutgers University and NCAR (2004–2005), Group Leader at Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (1998–2004), and others. His research interests span ocean acidification , carbon and carbonate cycling , climate change impacts on marine ecosystems , and ocean-based mitigation strategies . He co-edited the first book on ocean acidification and contributed to IPCC AR5 and AR6 reports. Recent publications highlight his work on ocean alkalinity enhancement , CO2 sequestration , and climate policy integration . He has developed tools like FOCE systems for in situ ocean acidification experiments and standardized ocean carbonate chemistry analysis. Scientific Awards : Ruth Patrick Award (2020), Blaise Pascal Medal (2014), Vladimir Vernadsky Medal (2012), and others. Academic Memberships : Foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, elected member of the European Academy of Sciences, Academia Europaea, and founder of the European Geosciences Union. Gattuso has led the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre at the International Atomic Energy Agency and will co-chair the 2025 One Ocean Science Congress.
Bert F. Sels is a Full Professor at KU Leuven (Catholic University Leuven) in the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Molecular and Microbiological Sciences, where he founded and heads the Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering (CSCE). He is also a Visiting Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou and co-founder of the spin-off company Zeopore. Previously, he directed the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (COK) from 2016-2019 and served as Head of the Division Bio-refinery and Sustainable Chemistry (2015). He obtained his Ph.D. in 2000 from KU Leuven under Professor Pierre Jacobs, specializing in heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable industrial processes, with expertise spanning: Biorefinery and biofactory systems for chemical production Design of hierarchically structured zeolites and carbon materials Spectroscopic characterization of catalytic active sites Methane activation and small molecule kinetics Renewable chemistry and biomass valorization His group has published 350+ papers (h-index 88) and holds 30 patents. Publications demonstrate strong focus on catalytic biomass conversion, zeolite engineering, and sustainable fuel production, with recent work emphasizing lignin valorization, carbohydrate upgrading, and low-carbon chemical synthesis. Key trends include hierarchical catalyst design and integrated biorefinery processes. Awards and Honors: Green Chemistry Award (2015) INEOS Research Award (2019) European Academy of Sciences and Arts Membership (2018) DSM Chemistry Award (2001) TOTAL Research Award (2013) UMICORE Research Award (2012) First Clean Tech Challenge (2009) He leads the CSCE research group and co-founded the European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC). As former co-chair of the International Zeolite Association's Catalysis Commission and associate editor of ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, he maintains extensive collaborative networks.
Leigh David is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, holding the Sir Samuel Hall Chair since 2014. Previously, he held prestigious roles such as the Forbes Chair of Organic Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh (2001–2012) and Chair of Synthetic Chemistry at the University of Warwick (1998–2001). His research focuses on synthetic molecular machines, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular knots, with notable contributions to the design of molecular motors and catenanes. David earned a BSc (Special Honours) and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Sheffield (1981–1987). He conducted postdoctoral research at the National Research Council of Canada (1987–1989) before joining the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, where he advanced from Lecturer (1989–1996) to Readership (1996–1998). His research interests include developing synthetic strategies for molecular-scale machines, exploring applications in nanotechnology, and investigating dynamic covalent chemistry. Key areas involve creating molecular knots, interlocked structures, and systems capable of programmable motion. David has received numerous accolades, including the Royal Society Bakerian Medal (2013), ERC Advanced Grants (2008, 2014), and the Feynman Prize for Nanotechnology (2007). His work has been recognized globally through fellowships in the Royal Society (2009) and Royal Society of Edinburgh (2005). He leads a research group advancing molecular robotics and has secured major grants, such as the EPSRC Senior Research Fellowship (2005–2010). His lab focuses on translating molecular systems into functional devices with applications in materials science and biotechnology.
Prof. Fabian Dielmann is a Professor of Organometallic Chemistry at the University of Innsbruck's Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry. He leads the Dielmann Lab within the Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine. His research focuses on molecular inorganic chemistry, phosphorus chemistry, coordination chemistry, and catalysis. Joined University of Innsbruck as Full Professor in 2020 Previously held positions at Münster University (2013–2020) and UCSD/UCR (2011–2013) Recipient of prestigious awards including the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz-Preis (2019) and Karl-Arnold-Preis (2020) Active in bimetallic catalysis, CO₂ capture, and light-driven materials Research interests emphasize phosphorus-rich compounds, transition metal complexes, and sustainable catalytic systems. His work spans from fundamental reactivity studies to applications in green chemistry and energy storage. Recent articles highlight breakthroughs in photoswitchable carbon dioxide capture and novel phosphorus-based materials. Key grants include Emmy Noether Research Group (2017–present) and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowships. His lab focuses on supramolecular assemblies, dynamic covalent polymers, and reactive intermediates like carbenes and nitrenes.
Thomas Reinthaler is a researcher at the Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, specializing in microbial oceanography and biogeochemical processes. His work investigates the role of prokaryotic organisms in marine carbon cycling, the influence of environmental factors like temperature and UV irradiation on microbial activity, and metabolic adaptations in deep-sea environments under in situ pressure conditions. Research Interests Reinthaler's research spans microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and oceanography. Key areas include dark ocean carbon cycling, anaplerotic carbon fixation, hydrostatic pressure effects on microbial communities, and the interplay between prokaryotic gene expression and environmental stressors like UV radiation. His work also addresses microbial contributions to the biological pump and nutrient recycling in mesopelagic zones. Publication Trends Recent publications highlight metaproteomic analyses of dark ocean trophic interactions, sulfur cycling dynamics, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in coastal systems. He has advanced methodologies for in situ pressure experiments and contributed to resolving paradoxes in carbon budget calculations through studies on heterotrophic autotrophy and microbial substrate utilization patterns. Projects and Activities BASS Project : Biochemical processes and air-sea exchange in the sea surface microlayer (active 2022–2025). Prokaryoten Project : Funded research on prokaryotic activity in the North Atlantic (2011–2016). Organized the 2024 Symposium on Microbial Oceanography and presented at the ECOTIP Photoexhibit (2024).
Institute of Science and Technology AustriaAustria
Latha Venkataraman is a Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) since 2025, with prior tenure at Columbia University (2007-2025) including roles as Lawrence Gussman Professor of Applied Physics (2019-2025) and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs (2019-2022). Her research focuses on molecular electronics , particularly single-molecule device physics , quantum transport , and metal-organic interfaces , with applications in organic electronics and catalysis . Key research themes include: Electronic, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of atomic-scale devices Quantum interference effects in single-molecule junctions Electric field-driven chemical reactions and conductance modulation Development of gold-carbon and gold-sulfur contacts Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal trends in topological molecular systems , spin-selective transport , and field-assisted chemical transformations , with collaborations spanning synthetic chemistry, theoretical physics, and materials science. Scientific accolades include the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award (2023) and ACS-PRF Grant (2008). Notable contributions include: Creation of single-molecule diodes and insulators via quantum interference First single-molecule potentiometer demonstration Elucidation of solvent effects on molecular junctions Advances in gold-thiol bond characterization Her lab trains students in applied physics and molecular engineering , with recent graduates like Liang Li and Woojung Lee . The group maintains strong ties with Columbia University and University of Science and Technology China .
