Professor Gavin Andrews is Chair of Pharmaceutical Engineering at Queen's University Belfast's School of Pharmacy. His research focuses on innovative oral dosage form development, biomaterials engineering, and pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies like hot-melt extrusion, 3D printing, and continuous processing. He leads a dynamic research group at the interface of pharmaceutical sciences and chemical engineering, collaborating with institutions like Trinity College Dublin, Purdue University, and pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly. Specializes in solubility enhancement for poorly water-soluble drugs Secured £1M+ funding from SFI and DEL Led US-Ireland partnerships with $1.4M grants His work emphasizes quality-by-design approaches and process analytical technologies (PAT), with applications in targeted drug delivery systems and personalized medicine. Awards include Royal Society Industry Fellowships and international recognition in dissolution rate optimization. Professor Andrews serves on editorial boards of key journals including Drug Development & Industrial Pharmacy and Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences .
Prof. Jörg Worlitschek is Head of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology (IME) and Professor at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture, part of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences & Arts. He holds a PhD in Thermal Process Engineering from ETH Zurich and has extensive industry experience, including roles at Mettler Toledo. His research focuses on thermal energy storage (TES), crystallization processes, and sustainable energy systems. Education: Studies in Chemical Engineering at University of Erlangen M.Sc. in Energy and Process Engineering from Technical University of Berlin PhD in Thermal Process Engineering from ETH Zurich (2003) Research Interests: Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems for buildings and grids Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for latent heat storage Integration of solar and PV systems with TES Decarbonization of heating systems Process optimization in crystallization and heat transfer Achievements & Projects: Founder of the Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CC TES) Co-founder of SpinOff Cowa (compact energy storage solutions) Key contributor to projects like SWEET PATHFNDR and SwissSTES Over 150 peer-reviewed publications and 6 patents Awards: Recipient of the Best Paper Award at the 2015 Greenstock Conference for contributions to energy storage research. Labs/Teams: Leads the IME Institute and collaborates with SCCER Heat & Electricity Storage and international networks like IEA Annex 35.
Zoltan Nagy is the Arvind Varma Professor of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University's Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. He joined Purdue in 2012 and holds a B.S. (1994) and Ph.D. (2001) from Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania. His research focuses on process systems engineering for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agrochemical industries, emphasizing crystallization systems, control engineering, and process analytical technologies. Research highlights include developing model-based control approaches for crystallization systems, integrating PAT technologies, and advancing continuous manufacturing processes. His work aims to optimize product quality (e.g., crystal size/shape, purity) while reducing costs and variability. Collaborations include the University of Loughborough and the UK's Innovative Manufacturing Research Center. Awards: IChemE Innovator of the Year (2011/2010), EFChE Membership (2010), Tudor Tanasescu Award (2008), and multiple journal best paper awards. Editorial Roles: Associate Editor of Journal of Process Control (2011–), Control Engineering Practice (2008–), and Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering (2012–). His research group includes postdocs, visiting scholars, and 13 graduate students (listed in full description). Key projects involve intelligent manufacturing systems, real-time process monitoring, and decision support tools like the Crystallization Process Informatics System (CryPRINS).
Dr. Mehrdad Nourani is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Senior Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs at The University of Texas at Dallas. He leads research in healthcare technology, VLSI testing, and embedded systems through the Predictive Analytics & Technologies (PAT) Lab and Quality of Life Technology (QoLT) Laboratories. His work focuses on biometric signal processing for patient monitoring (e.g., epilepsy, diabetes, sleep apnea) and VLSI reliability in nanometer-scale circuits. Education: PhD in Computer Engineering, Case Western Reserve University (1993) M.S. & B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Tehran (1986 & 1984) Research Interests: Integrates machine learning with biomedical engineering for wearable healthcare devices, develops novel VLSI testing methodologies, and explores data-driven diagnostics. Key areas include artifact removal in wearable sensors, personalized analytics for pressure ulcers, and SEEG-based seizure network modeling. Advising & Grants: Supervises 6 current PhD/Master’s students. Research supported by NSF, Texas Instruments, UT Southwestern, and others. Co-founded CICS and QoLT labs fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Labs & Teams: Directs PAT Lab and collaborates through QoLT and CICS. Projects include smart bed systems for ulcer prevention, AI-driven camera platforms for ambulation assessment, and ESD stress analysis in semiconductor devices.
Stefano Menegatti is an Associate Professor and University Faculty Scholar in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University (NC State). His research focuses on developing peptide-based technologies for biopharmaceutical purification, drug delivery systems, and advanced biomaterials. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from NC State (2013), and M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees from the Università di Bologna (Italy). Menegatti’s work emphasizes stimuli-responsive peptide ligands for purifying labile biologics like stem cells and therapeutic proteins, as well as hydrogel systems for controlled drug release. His lab also develops transdermal delivery platforms for vaccines and explores biodegradable polymers for medical devices. He leads the Ligand Design & Biomanufacturing Group within the College of Engineering. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, NC State (2013) M.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Università di Bologna (2008) B.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Università di Bologna (2006) His research interests span biomanufacturing , viral vector purification , host-cell protein removal , and biodegradable materials . Recent advancements include adaptive machine learning frameworks for viral vector production and shear-responsive nanocoatings for biomedical applications. Awards: ACS BIOT Young Investigator Award (2025) NSF CAREER Award (2017) NCSU Chancellor’s Innovation Fund (2019) Menegatti collaborates with industry partners on process analytical technologies (PAT) and has pioneered peptide ligand systems for AAV, lentivirus, and adenovirus purification. His lab actively explores sustainable biomanufacturing strategies, including engineered microbes for PET plastic degradation.
Karola Vorauer-Uhl is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She is based at Muthgasse 18, Vienna, and holds a doctorate in life sciences and biotechnology. Her work is deeply rooted in biopharmaceutical technology, particularly in liposomal drug delivery and recombinant protein production. Her research interests center on advanced bioprocess technologies. She specializes in liposomal formulations for therapeutic and vaccine delivery, with a focus on protein encapsulation and liposome-protein interactions. A key methodological expertise is bio-layer interferometry (BLI) , which she uses for real-time, label-free analysis of molecular binding. Her work also encompasses CHO cell culture processes , quality by design (QbD) , process analytical technology (PAT) , and the development of recombinant proteins like erythropoietin and HIV envelope proteins for biomedical applications. The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent research trajectory in biopharmaceutical process development and nanoparticle-based delivery systems . Early works focused on protein purification and liposome production, while recent contributions emphasize advanced analytical methods like BLI for characterizing protein-liposome interactions and implementing QbD/PAT in mammalian cell cultures. The dominant themes are liposome technology , protein characterization , and bioprocess optimization , with applications in drug and vaccine delivery. ao.Univ.Prof. (Associate Professor), BOKU Vienna Habilitation in Biopharmaceutical Technology, 2002 Promotion (PhD) in Food and Biotechnology, 1993 Dipl.-Ing. in Food and Biotechnology, 1988 Karola Vorauer-Uhl has made significant contributions to the development of liposomal therapeutics and vaccines. Her work on GMP-compliant liposome production and novel techniques like the cross-flow injection method demonstrates a strong focus on translating research into industrial applications. She has been involved in projects related to HIV vaccine development using virosomes and the therapeutic use of liposomal superoxide dismutase. Her community service includes participation in numerous scientific conferences and workshops, particularly in the fields of bioprocessing and liposome research. She is actively engaged in academic advising, as evidenced by her supervision of university theses. Her laboratory or research group appears to focus on bioprocess engineering, with expertise in recombinant protein expression, liposome formulation, and advanced analytical characterization. Collaborations with industry partners and other research institutions, especially in the area of biopharmaceuticals, are a consistent feature of her work.
Dr. James W. Schneider is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Courtesy Faculty in Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin (1992) and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota (1998), followed by postdoctoral research at the Naval Research Laboratory. His research focuses on self-assembly principles in biomaterials, particularly amphiphilic molecules for applications in DNA/RNA detection, medical device development, and biomanufacturing process monitoring. Key contributions include micelle-based DNA electrophoresis and PNA amphiphile technologies for nucleic acid quantitation. Research interests span bionanotechnology, medical devices, and biomaterials with emphasis on programmable materials for diagnostic tools. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2001) and Beckman Young Investigator Award (2002), and he is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2014). Current work includes collaborations with the Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST) on PNA-based viral contaminant detection systems and surfactant studies in nonpolar liquids. His lab develops bioinspired materials for applications in biomanufacturing, drug delivery, and rapid diagnostic technologies.
Adrian Kelly is a Professor of Process Engineering at the University of Bradford's School of Engineering, part of the Faculty of Engineering & Digital Technologies. He holds roles including Placements Tutor for Engineering disciplines and has expertise in polymer processing, thermal optimization, and sustainable materials. His research focuses on process monitoring, pharmaceutical polymer engineering, nanocomposites, and recycling technologies. Kelly has co-founded the Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science and is active in the Centre of Advanced Materials Engineering and the Centre for Polymer Micro and Nano Technology. Prof. Kelly earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with industrial sponsorship for rheometry research. He leads research on topics like extrusion processing, material recycling, and drug delivery systems. His work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing process analytical technologies (PAT) and sustainable manufacturing. His publications (2020–2025) explore advanced materials recycling, polymer composite development, and process optimization. Key trends include enhancing material recyclability, improving drug delivery via hot melt extrusion, and applying machine learning to process prediction. His research impacts fields from biomedical engineering to environmental sustainability through innovative material applications.
Philippa Wilkes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Limerick, affiliated with the Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI). Her work bridges industrial chemistry and advanced data science methodologies. Education: PhD and BSc in Chemistry MSc and HDip in Data Science Dr. Wilkes specializes in chemometrics and functional data analysis , focusing on modeling spectroscopic data and pharmaceutical process data. She collaborates extensively with the pharmaceutical industry to address statistical challenges in process analytical technology (PAT), aligning her work with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to innovation and quality healthcare. Her research involves non-destructive analytical techniques like Raman spectroscopy for drug substance identification, supporting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality assurance in biopharmaceutical production. Key Affiliations: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick MACSI (Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry)
Dr. Shaun Davidson is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Oxford Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME) , focusing on non-contact physiological monitoring and machine learning for clinical outcomes. His research bridges biomedical engineering, digital health, and critical care technologies. Education: PhD and Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand Prior Roles: Research Fellow at the University of Liège, Belgium Shaun’s work centers on machine learning-driven vital sign estimation , including blood pressure prediction via photoplethysmogram (PPG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) features, circadian rhythm analysis, and postpartum reference range modeling. Recent publications highlight advancements in non-contact monitoring and critical care diagnostics . His research intersects multiple domains of digital health, including wearable devices for sleep staging, atrial fibrillation tracking post-ICU, and ambulatory blood pressure systems . Articles frequently address cardiovascular dynamics, physiological modeling, and clinical translation of engineering solutions.
Professor Aris Christou is a distinguished faculty member at the University of Maryland, holding professorships in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and the Graduate Program in Reliability Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971 and has established himself as a leading expert in materials science, semiconductor reliability, and device physics. As President of the Federation of Materials Societies in Washington D.C. and an IEEE Fellow, Professor Christou has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. Professor Christou's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas including Compound Semiconductor Reliability, Physics of Failure, Device Physics and Modeling, Electronic Materials, Flexible Electronics and Displays, Biomolecular Sensing, and New Device Development. His work focuses on understanding degradation mechanisms in electronic materials and devices, with particular emphasis on reliability issues in compound semiconductors like GaAs and GaN. He has pioneered research in flexible electronics, graphene applications, and reliability of LEDs for medical applications. His laboratory, the Laboratory for Reliable Nanoelectronics, is equipped with advanced facilities for semiconductor device process development and reliability testing. Professor Christou's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on reliability engineering across multiple platforms. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in flexible electronics, semiconductor devices, and photonics. A significant portion of his research addresses electromigration, fatigue properties of novel materials, and physics of failure mechanisms in next-generation electronic devices. His expertise spans from theoretical modeling to practical implementation in real-world applications. Professor Christou has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: 2012 Micro & Nano Scientific Society Award 2010 iNEER Award for Engineering Education 2007 ASM Burgess Memorial Award 2006 FMS Recognition Award 2004 iNEER Award for Achievement on International Engineering Education and Research 1999 University of Maryland Invention of the Year Award 1993 Fellow of the IEEE 1987 Millenium Medal from the University of Bologna Professor Christou has been actively involved in mentoring students and securing research funding. His recent Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Challenge Grant (2013) with Professor Pat McCluskey demonstrates his ability to secure significant funding for interdisciplinary research. He has served as an editor for multiple prestigious journals including IEEE Transactions on Device and Materials Reliability and IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices. His service extends to conference organization, with leadership roles in numerous international conferences on materials science and semiconductor reliability. At the University of Maryland, Professor Christou directs the Laboratory for Reliable Nanoelectronics, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with UHV Atomic Layer Deposition systems, high density plasma etch tools, and advanced analytical equipment. This laboratory supports research in semiconductor device process development, test structure design for reliability, and reliability measurements. The lab has been instrumental in advancing research in graphene electronics, flexible displays, and reliability of compound semiconductor devices.
Manel Alcalà Bernàrdez is a Researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), affiliated with Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada (ENG4BIO). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry (2006) and a Degree in Chemical Sciences (2001), both from UAB. His research focuses on spectroscopic techniques like NIR and Raman spectroscopy for quality control, analytical chemistry, and environmental monitoring. He has led or participated in multiple projects funded by Spanish ministries, including studies on pharmaceutical process analytical technology (PAT), rapid analysis methods, and enzyme-catalyzed biodiesel synthesis. Research interests include near-infrared spectroscopy applications, ion mobility spectrometry, and multivariate data analysis. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and contributed to reviews on hazardous chemical analysis. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and production. He serves as an Expert member of the European Pharmacopoeia (since 2013) and completed a postdoc at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez (2007–2008). His projects emphasize developing analytical methodologies for pharmaceutical and food industries, with a focus on spectroscopic instrumentation and process optimization.
Dr. Matthias Rüdt is an Associate Professor at HES-SO Valais-Wallis, affiliated with the School of Chemistry and Life Sciences and the Department of Life Sciences Engineering. He holds a Dr.-Ing. (Doctor of Engineering) from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), completed with summa cum laude. Previously, he worked in industry roles at Novartis and Roche, focusing on biopharmaceutical manufacturing and downstream process development. His research interests include PAT applications in biopharmaceutical processes, machine learning for process engineering, optical spectroscopy (UV/Vis, Raman, NIR), and real-time monitoring strategies. Notable achievements include a patent in biopharmaceutical process development and multiple awards for conference publications. His recent work emphasizes data-driven process optimization, including generative data augmentation for CNN models and Kalman-filtered Raman spectroscopy. Collaborations with institutions like KIT and industry partners highlight his translational research approach. Education: PhD (Doktor der Ingenieurswissenschaften) from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Master's in Chemistry and Biotechnology from ETH Zurich with a Stanford University exchange Professional Experience: PostDoc at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Process Development roles at Novartis and Roche Publications focus on improving process analytical technologies through advanced data analysis, with recent contributions in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry and Biotechnology and Bioengineering .
Professor Colette Fagan is a Professor in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Reading, serving as Head of Department and Head of the Food Processing Centre. She specializes in food quality assurance through process analytical technology (PAT), particularly applying optical spectroscopy to optimize dairy and food processing. Her work emphasizes real-time sensing for safe, consistent product development. Academic qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Industrial Microbiology, an MSc (Agr) in Engineering Technology, and a PhD in Biosystems Engineering. Her research spans food processing optimization, cheese maturation monitoring, and dairy fat reformulation's impact on cardiovascular health. Key research interests include PAT implementation, sensor technology for food quality, and the interplay between food composition and health outcomes. Her publications highlight advancements in cheese processing, lipid metabolism studies, and non-destructive food analysis methods. Professor Fagan’s work integrates industry collaboration and curriculum innovation, exemplified by her focus on employability in academic programs. Her contributions bridge food science, technology, and public health, addressing both industrial and nutritional challenges in food production.
Osmo Antikainen is a University researcher and visiting researcher at the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki. He serves as a Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research. His research focuses on pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, particularly tablet manufacturing, powder flow properties, and AI-driven quality control. Recent work includes AI frameworks for tablet compression and image-based analysis of powder dynamics. Antikainen has supervised doctoral theses on topics like pharmaceutical powder behavior and formulation stability. He collaborates with organizations such as Care4living Oy, DAIN Studios Oy, and Business Finland on projects like NIR-Based PAT Applications and LifeFactFuture . His publications (65 total) and projects (3 active/inactive) span 2000–2025, with a focus on process optimization and material interactions in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
